Tinubu declares open 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting

By: Our Reporter

Borno targets durable solution for 5.5 million people – Zulum

The 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting has opened in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Forum themed: “Rebuilding the Lake Chad: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community” have in attendance governors of the 8 states and provinces, traditional rulers, development and humanitarian organisations, civil society organisations amongst others being hosted by Yobe State government.

Declaring the event open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for cooperation and unity among countries in the Lake Chad Basin region.

The president, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the true enemy of the region as the non-state actors that exploit weak borders, poor governance and fragile economies to challenge our claim to civilization.

“We must not allow the geopolitical tensions across the world to sow discord among us, nor should we permit ourselves to become tools in any proxy agenda. The salvation of the Lake Chad region is neither in Europe nor in the Americas. It lies in the hands of all those gathered here today”, Tinubu stated.

He called for multifaceted approach to address the root causes of insecurity, poverty, inequality and lack of opportunities for our youth.

“It is a tragic irony that Africa, a continent with the youngest population in the world, sees its youth become cannon fodder for destructive ideologies and the drivers of conflict. This is the challenge before us: to transform this demographic dividend into a force for good”.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, says he has committed 15% of the state’s annual budget for the provision of durable solutions to 5.5 million victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

“Our own strategy, spanning the years 2025-2027, is backed by a total budget of USD 2.7 billion, with Borno State committing 15% of its annual budget to the cause. This strategy targets the needs of approximately 5.5 million people, including 2 million IDPs, 500,000 refugees and 3 million other displaced individuals”, Governor Zulum stated.

The governor explained that the durable solutions strategy is anchored on a government-led, people-centered approach, and is designed to align with existing national and regional policies, noting that significant achievements in peacebuilding and social cohesion, particularly through dialogue, youth engagement, and the re-establishment of cross-border trade corridors have been recorded.

“Projects like the Banki Market project and other related infrastructure have been completed and handed over to the communities, fostering a sense of ownership and providing vital economic opportunities”, he said.

Zulum emphasized that his administration has prioritized agricultural transformation as a key pillar of our recovery strategy, with a focus on irrigation systems, resilient crop production and support for smallholder farmers to ensure food security for the people.

Governor Zulum described the Lake Chad Region as the future of Africa with its youthful and rapidly growing population, the region is positioned to become a major driver of economic progress and political leadership.

The potential of this region to shape the future of not only Africa but the world at large cannot be overstated, provided we continue to nurture its growth with the right support and strong political will necessary to address its challenges.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under whose leadership the following is ensured, peace and sustainable development that has enabled our on-going reconstruction, Rehabilitation and resettlement efforts, United Nations agencies and development partners.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni described the Forum as a beacon of hope, serving as the cornerstone for strengthening and promoting good governance, cross-border cooperation, dialogue and coordinated action among the basin’s eight territories.

He remarked that commitments made during the meetings are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development.

He observed that the Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that include: growing demography, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change and socio-economic disparities that demand concerted efforts.

The ceremony was attended by members of the national assembly, ministers of agriculture and that of Livestock Development, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, United Nations agencies, Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Commission and International Development Organisations.

Tinubu declares open 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting