Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has said that implementing palliative measures by the federal and state governments was not a permanent solution to the country’s rising cost of living.

He stated this in an address at the 10th edition of the North-East Governors’ Forum meeting on Friday in Bauchi.

Mr Zulum, the forum chairman, said the governors had identified and addressed the myriad problems facing them individually and collectively to articulate their regional and economic structure.

“As we all know, the rising cost of food in the country has worsened,” said Mr Zulm. “We need to put more effort into reviving the economic condition of our sub-region in arresting this situation because palliative is not a permanent solution.”

He tasked them to further harmonise their respective state development programmes and policies by being partners in progress for the region’s sustainable social and economic development.

While acknowledging the abundant agricultural landscape for cultivating cereal and cash crops, Mr Zulum urged the governors to try to woo investors and make the subregion’s export drive a reality.

“We need to vigorously pursue industrial development programmes that will encourage the development of local resources to stimulate the interest of small and medium scale businessmen to invest in small and medium scale businesses.

“We need to commit our self-sufficiency in food and agricultural raw materials, and the social transformation of the sector will remain unshaken,” he said.

Also speaking, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State lauded Mr Zulum for his commitment and exemplary leadership, which have sustained the forum as a formidable regional block.

He said that through his efforts, the forum has continued to grow from strength to strength despite being made up of different political parties.

(NAN)