Gov Zulum Reopens Lake Chad Trade Routes to Boost Economic Revival
Gov Zulum Reopens Lake Chad Trade Routes to Boost Economic Revival
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State took a significant step on Monday, November 20, by travelling over 20 kilometres on the Nigerian side of Lake Chad at Baga.
The purpose of the journey was to reopen avenues for transborder trade between Borno State and the Chad Republic, which had dwindled to virtual non-existence over the last 13 years due to the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the Chad Basin.
During his visit to Baga, Governor Zulum assessed portions of Lake Chad as part of his government’s plan to enhance agricultural activities along the basin’s shores.
He highlighted the impact of this initiative on the livelihoods of returnee communities, stating, “We are here to see how we can support large-scale farming. This town was ravaged by the insurgents, and people were resettled back about the last two or three years.”
Governor Zulum emphasized the need to clear waterways, with support from the Army and Navy, to facilitate boat movement from Baga to Chad. This initiative aims to enhance transborder trade and agriculture. Zulum, accompanied by various officials, outlined the strategic objectives of the government to revitalize economic activities in the region.
“We are here to support the Army and the Navy to clear the waterways so that movement by boat from Baga to Chad can commence, which will enhance transborder trade and agriculture,” the governor stated during the assessment.
Accompanying Governor Zulum on this visit were the member representing Kukawa at the State Assembly, Kirta Maina Ma’aji, MD Chad Basin Development Authority, Engr Abba Garba, Borno State Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, Commissioner of Agriculture, Engr Bawu Musami, MD Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Engr Mohammed Musa Aliyu, and members of the Borno State Agricultural Transformation Committee.
