The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has expressed deep concern over the looming flood disaster and its potential impact on lives and property in the region.
The governors, comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states, made the call during their 12th meeting held in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Saturday.
The governors, in a communique, noted that credible climate risk forecasts indicated a high likelihood of flooding in the subregion, which could exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis.
They also expressed worry about the high cost of agricultural inputs, which could lead to a food crisis in the region.
It reads inter alia: “Forum took into cognizance the forecast of the credible agencies on climate risk and the impending flood disaster in the subregion.
”It therefore calls for proactive measures in confronting the flood and robust sensitisation of settlers along the flood plains.
“It also called for support from both the Federal Government and NEDC to reconstruct the broken infrastructure, especially bridges [affected] by the flood,” a communiqué signed by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, partly read.
The governors said that the high cost of agricultural inputs could have a negative impact on farm production and output and lead to a food crisis.
They, therefore, called for more subsidies to farmers and robust preparation for dry-season farming.
“Forum decries the high cost of agricultural inputs, which might have direct negative consequences on farm outputs next year.
”To avert impending food crises ahead, it calls for more subsidies to farmers and robust preparation for dry-season farming,” they stated.
The North-East region has been grappling with humanitarian and infrastructural challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and lack of access to basic services.
The governors acknowledged the progress made in the fight against insurgency but emphasised the need for a multidimensional approach to address the region’s challenges.
