Lake Chad Basin Governors Renew Commitment to Regional Stability, Economic Growth
By Matthew Eloyi
The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF) has reaffirmed its commitment to stabilising security, livelihoods, and economic activities in the region, as leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon gathered for the forum’s 5th edition in Maiduguri.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, the host of the three-day event, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in his welcome address.
“This forum serves as an opportunity for us to reflect on the journey since the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience (RS-SRR) became operational six years ago,” Buni stated. “It underscores our unity of purpose and rekindles the age-old brotherhood among member states.”
Themed “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” the forum highlights the need for sustained efforts in tackling security threats, economic disparities, and climate change in the region.
Buni lauded President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and dedication to regional peace and stability, stressing that Nigeria plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges affecting the Lake Chad Basin.
“As the largest stakeholder in the Lake Chad Basin, hosting 74% of the affected population, our leadership reflects a profound sense of responsibility,” he said. “This forum exemplifies Nigeria’s role in fostering unity, collaboration, and strategic solutions across the Basin.”
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State underscored the significance of cross-border collaboration in the region’s recovery efforts. He reaffirmed Borno’s commitment to peace and stability, detailing the state’s infrastructure improvements, security enhancements, and livelihood programs for affected communities.
“These efforts align with the forum’s broader goal of promoting peace, security, and sustainable development in the region,” Zulum noted.
He also revealed that Borno has developed a multi-year strategy supported by a $2.7 billion budget to address the needs of approximately 5.5 million people, including displaced persons and refugees.
Zulum praised partnerships with international agencies, including the UNHCR, UNICEF, FAO, and the World Food Programme, which have played a vital role in rebuilding communities.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State called for urgent action on environmental challenges, warning that the rapid shrinkage of Lake Chad is exacerbating insecurity in the region.
“We are unified in our resolve to address the urgent issues that have plagued the Basin for decades,” Fintiri stated. “Recent reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveal that Lake Chad has shrunk by 90% in the last 60 years, largely due to climate change, irrigation practices, and dam construction.”
He stressed that the environmental crisis is not just an ecological concern but also a driver of conflict and extremism, as dwindling resources push vulnerable populations into desperation.
With about 1,000 delegates in attendance, the forum seeks to take stock of progress made in stabilising the region while charting new pathways for sustainable development. Key discussions will focus on securing funding for RS-SRR projects, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and tackling issues such as drug abuse and violent extremism.
Stakeholders remain optimistic that sustained collaboration will accelerate the implementation of Territorial Action Plans (TAPs) and foster long-term peace and prosperity in the Lake Chad Basin.