Governors demand irrigation subsidy as farm inputs costs soar in North East
By Kunle Sanni –
Governors of Nigeria’s North East states have raised concerns over the rising cost of farm inputs in the region, urging the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide increased support to farmers ahead of the new cropping season.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 12th North East Governors’ Forum meeting held on Saturday in Jalingo, Taraba State, and read by Yobe State Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni.
According to the communiqué, signed by Mamman Mohammed, Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the Yobe State Governor, the governors warned that the prohibitive prices of seeds, fertilizer, and other inputs could undermine food production unless urgent interventions are made, particularly through subsidies on irrigation farming.
While acknowledging progress in the fight against insurgency, the forum also highlighted the growing impact of climate change and impending flood risks. It called for the relocation of vulnerable communities and the reconstruction of roads and bridges destroyed by flooding.
Other resolutions reached at the meeting include plans to revive the North East Trade Fair in Maiduguri in December 2025, develop a regional solar energy masterplan, and support the University of Maiduguri as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
