Buni Reaffirms Lake Chad Governors’ Commitment to Regional Security, Economic Growth
Buni Reaffirms Lake Chad Governors’ Commitment to Regional Security, Economic Growth
Buni Reaffirms Lake Chad Governors’ Commitment to Regional Security, Economic Growth
Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, has reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to strengthening sustainable security, stabilisation and economic development across the Lake Chad Basin.
Governor Buni made the commitment during a visit to the headquarters of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in N’Djamena, Chad, where he congratulated the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, and pledged closer cooperation between the Governors’ Forum and the Commission.
Buni said Ambassador Babani assumed office at a critical period when the region faces complex security, humanitarian, climate and development challenges requiring stronger political coordination and institutional cooperation.
“As Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, I assure you of our readiness to work closely with you in advancing this common agenda and achieving our set targets,” Buni said.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to regional peace, security and cooperation among countries within the Lake Chad Basin.
He noted that the Federal Government’s support for multilateral cooperation, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and regional stabilisation initiatives remained essential to achieving lasting peace and shared prosperity.
According to Buni, challenges confronting the region—including insecurity, displacement, climate pressures, economic vulnerability and violent extremism—transcend national and administrative boundaries.
“Our response must therefore be rooted in solidarity, coordination and collective action,” he stressed.
The Yobe Governor urged the Lake Chad Basin Commission to deepen partnerships with the African Union, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), international financial institutions, bilateral partners and other development stakeholders to mobilise the resources and technical support required to accelerate regional development.
Buni Visits MNJTF Headquarters
Governor Buni also visited the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force, where he received briefings on the force’s operations and interacted with commanders on the security situation and challenges confronting troops fighting terrorism across the Lake Chad region.
He assured the commanders of his determination to present their concerns to President Tinubu and advocate stronger support from member states to improve the operational effectiveness of the force.
Buni specifically pledged to communicate the challenges associated with Niger Republic’s withdrawal from the Task Force, as well as gaps in equipment, manpower and other operational resources.
“I pledge to share your successes and challenges with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, especially the withdrawal of Niger Republic from the Task Force, the inadequacy of resources, equipment and manpower, among others,” he assured.
The Governor said strengthening the capacity of the MNJTF remained crucial to achieving sustainable security and creating an environment conducive to economic recovery, reconstruction and development across the Lake Chad Basin.
He reiterated the Governors’ Forum’s readiness to work with national governments, regional institutions, security forces and international partners to build a safer, more resilient and economically prosperous Lake Chad region.
Buni Reaffirms Lake Chad Governors’ Commitment to Regional Security, Economic Growth
