North-East Governors unite to prevent looming food shortage and flood disaster

Governors from the six states in Nigeria’s North-East recently convened to address urgent challenges threatening the stability of the region, including an impending food shortage and severe flood risk. The meeting, held in Jalingo, concluded with calls for stronger support to farmers and infrastructure restoration.

During their 12th forum in Jalingo, the governors stressed the critical impact of soaring prices for farm supplies on agricultural productivity. They warned that without immediate relief, output could decline sharply, potentially causing food crisis in 2026. They urged the government for increased subsidies and enhanced strategies for dry-season cultivation to safeguard food availability.

Beyond agriculture, the group raised concerns about upcoming floods predicted by reliable climate experts, stressing the need for early interventions and comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting communities living near flood-prone areas. They also appealed to the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for assistance in rebuilding vital infrastructure such as damaged bridges that have been severely affected by recent flooding.

Despite celebrating notable progress in combating insurgency, the governors recognized humanitarian and developmental challenges within the subregion. They announced plans to host the North East Trade Fair in Maiduguri this December in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). Furthermore, they committed to formulating a unified power strategy aimed at eliminating energy shortages across the states.

Babagana Zulum, Borno State Governor and chair of the forum, stated that the subregion continues to face daunting humanitarian and infrastructural hurdles despite progress against insurgency. He added that by addressing root causes such as youth restrictiveness and poverty is vital alongside enhancing education, healthcare, security, and roads.

The North-East governors have demonstrated a proactive stance in confronting the intertwined threats of food insecurity and environmental disasters.  Their next meeting is scheduled for December in Maiduguri, where progress on these goals will be reviewed.