Rising farm costs may trigger food crisis in 2026 —North-East Govs

Governors of the North-East have raised the alarm over the rising cost of agricultural inputs, warning that the trend could worsen food shortages in 2026 if urgent measures are not taken.

The concern was contained in a communiqué issued after the 12th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held in Jalingo, Taraba state. The statement was signed by Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno and chairman of the forum.

According to the governors, farmers in the region are struggling to cope with the high prices of seeds, fertilisers, and other inputs, a challenge that could undermine both rainy season harvests and the upcoming dry season farming.

They urged the federal government to increase subsidies for farmers and expand support schemes to sustain production levels.

“The forum acknowledges the appreciable success recorded in the onslaught against insurgency in the region, but regrets that the subregion is still confronted with daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges,” the communiqué reads.

The governors also highlighted disaster risks that could further compound food insecurity, citing forecasts of heavy flooding across parts of the North-East. They warned that unchecked flooding could wipe out farmlands, displace communities, and deepen hunger in the region.

To avert such crises, the forum called for stronger sensitisation campaigns for residents living along floodplains and more proactive flood mitigation efforts.

They urged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and relevant federal agencies to step up reconstruction of critical infrastructure, particularly bridges destroyed by years of conflict and flooding, which are vital for moving food supplies.

Beyond agriculture, the governors tasked their energy committee to design a regional master plan, identifying solar power as a “low-hanging fruit” to boost electricity access and support local economies.

The NEGF, which brings together governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states, said the region’s stability depends on decisive investments in food production, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure recovery.