News in Brief:
– The 10th meeting of the Northeast Governors’ Forum focused on food security in their communique.
– To address the global crisis and regional challenges, they resolved to invest in the agricultural value chain, promote sustainable farming practices, and encourage drought-resistant crops.
Governors of Nigeria’s Northeast region rose from a recent engagement with a resolution to tackle headlong pressing problems besetting the region. The governors, under the auspices of the 10th meeting of the Northeast Governors’ Forum (NEGF), which held in Bauchi state, recently.
The forum, comprising governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, stressed the importance of subregional cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the leadership of the individual governors.
According to information made available by the host governor of Bauchi state, Senator Bala Mohammed, on his official X page, the meeting became especially important in order to deliberate on matters of mutual concern impacting the subregion.
To this end, a communique outlining a roadmap for regional development was issued. Effectively, the statement, among other matters, acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, while calling for a coordinated regional approach to combat desertification.
Also, Food security emerged as a top priority. Recognising the global food crisis, the forum resolved to place more emphasis investing in the agricultural value chain, and encourage the transformation of subsistence farming into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Additionally, the governors pledged to support the procurement of improved drought-resistant and short-maturation seedlings while also subsidising fertilisers to enhance agricultural productivity. Emphasis was also placed on the production of climate-resilient seeds within the region.
Collaboration on WASH and future meetings
Overall, the forum reaffirmed its partnership with UNICEF to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) coverage in the Northeast.
Additionally, they expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State government for hosting the meeting and set the date for the 11th NEGF meeting in Damaturu, Yobe state, scheduled for August 30-31, 2024.
Established in 2019, the NEGF has emerged as a vital platform for the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe to collaborate on critical issues affecting the region.
Historically, Northeast Nigeria has faced significant challenges, including insecurity, environmental degradation, and infrastructural deficits. Recognising the need for a united front, the governors of the region established the NEGF.
One accomplishment highlighted by the Bauchi State Government was the establishment of a regional security committee in 2020. This committee fostered collaboration between states on security matters, contributing to efforts to address regional insecurity.
