The Lake Chad Basin (LCB) region has undeniably been plagued by violence, insecurity, and human rights violations for decades. The most pressing challenge is the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram terrorists, but other factors contributing to the instability include climate change, poverty, underdevelopment, and weak governance.
The activities of these terrorists have led to widespread displacement, food insecurity, human rights violations, and a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions across Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad.
In response, the member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission have implemented various policy measures, including the creation of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum, to tackle these security and development challenges.
In an effort to chart a new course for addressing the numerous challenges in the Lake Chad Basin, eight governors from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger attended the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum Meeting, held on January 27 and 28 at the Muhammad Indimi International Conference Centre, University of Maiduguri.
Hosted by the Yobe State government, the meeting also saw participation from Niger Republic, which had formally exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with the Governor of Diffa state representing the country.
The meeting primarily focused on finding sustainable solutions to enhance security, peace, and development in the region. With the theme, “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” it emphasisjed the importance of collective action to address the decade-long challenges facing the LCB.
Additionally, the meeting served as a platform for development partners, peacebuilders, donors, and security stakeholders to engage directly and formulate concrete, actionable plans to stabilize the region and support its long-term recovery and development.
Central to the meeting was the need to find lasting solution to critical issues of insecurity, food security and climate resilience by focusing on strategies to build sustainable food systems in the face of regional challenges.
Participants also explored means of managing exits from armed groups, fostering transitional justice, and promoting reintegration to enhance social cohesion.
The discussions also focused on pathways for durable solutions for displaced populations, ensuring stability for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
There is no contesting the fact that this year’s theme, “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” reflects the region’s commitment to promoting security, peace, and development.
The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum is a significant event that underscores the unity of purpose and brotherhood among member states.
The meeting was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors of the Lake Chad Basin, and representatives from the United Nations, African Union Commission, and other esteemed organizations.
As should be expected, critical issues affecting the region, including insecurity, climate change, and poverty dominated discussions during the three day event.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that while a kinetic approach is necessary to contain the security threats, non-kinetic strategies must be adopted to address the root causes.
“It is a tragic irony that Africa, a continent with the youngest population in the world, sees its youths 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.’’
During the meeting, the host, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who later emerged as the new chairman of the Forum, highlighted Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to regional cooperation and stability, noting that the country hosts 74 per cent of the Lake Chad Basin.
Governor Buni underscored the need for unity of purpose, and rekindling the age-long brotherhood among the member states.
He said Nigeria’s critical role is to support the basin’s affected population, which accounts for 74 per cent of the region’s total, adding that the meeting is to consolidate efforts to stabilise, recover and rebuild the Lake Chad Basin.
“This forum remains 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 said the conversations and commitment they had made in the meeting here are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that will address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development.
“ As the largest stakeholder in the Lake Chad Basin, hosting 74 per cent of the affected population, our leadership reflects a profound sense of responsibility to address the shared challenges that transcend borders. This Forum exemplifies Nigeria’s role in fostering unity, collaboration, and strategic solutions across the Basin.
“As the theme suggests, this will again provide another opportunity for states and provinces around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon republics to discuss and reflect on the journey so far , since the regional strategy for stabilization, recovery, and resilience became operational five years ago.
“Today, we convene at a time when the Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that includes; growing demography, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change, and socio-economic disparities—that demand concerted efforts. Yet, there are also reasons for optimism; progress in stabilisation, the voluntary, safe and dignified return and integration of displaced populations, and a growing momentum toward durable solution towards rebuilding both lives and livelihoods of the affected communities.
“This Forum remains 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. The conversations and commitments we make here are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development.
“Over the years, the Governors’ Forum in close collaboration with Lake Chad Basin Commission, African Union Commission and development partners has established itself as a leading political platform for policy dialogue among various stakeholders with a view to generate applicable policies and programmes geared towards the short, medium and long-term stabilization and development of the Lake Chad Basin Region.
“Through its inclusive and collaborative approach, the Forum facilitates the formulation of concrete and actionable strategies aimed at stabilising the region while advancing recovery efforts and fostering sustainable development.
“The Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS-SRR) is a testament to what we can achieve collectively, he said.
“ Its localisation through the Territorial Action Plans highlights the importance of ownership and inclusion in our stabilisation efforts. Yobe State has directly benefited from the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience framework through infrastructure rehabilitation, livelihood restoration, and community cohesion projects. This reinforces the critical need for continued partnerships and innovative resource mobilisation to amplify these successes.
“ I urge all stakeholders to remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles of peace, collaboration, and resilience, as Yobe State Government is pleased to provide the platform for delegates and participants to strengthen networks and collaboration towards ensuring stabilization, recovery, and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin region in the months and years ahead”, Buni explained.
For their part, governors Babagana Zulum of Borno and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa states harped on the enormous potential of fhe LCB and decried the shrinking of water resource, loss of biodiversity and threat of wildlife migration.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa said “It’s time for action. I want to thank you for the support of the multinational joint task force, and we want to continue to do more but we can only do more when we get more support,”
The Executive Secretary of Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, said the forum’s meeting “serves as a critical platform for fostering dialogue, enhancing collaboration, and reaffirming our collective commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin.”
The representative of United Nations, Leonardo Simão, said the governors and traditional institutions have helped the region to ensure sustainable peace.
“The governors and member states had over the years fostered inclusiveness and collaboration across borders in the quest for sustainable peace and development in the Lake Chad area.
“While efforts to combat terrorism have begun yielding positive results, new challenges have emerged, demanding sustained and focused attention from all stakeholders,” he said.
Interestingly, traditional Rulers from the Lake Chad Basin resolved to partner various governments in region to tackle some of the challenges faced by populace which include insurgency, community conflicts, and the impacts of climate change.
The regional Monarchs also resolved to look into extreme poverty bedeviling the people; the fragility of local institutions ; violence against women ; the need to strengthen cross-border cooperation and preserve the indigenous knowledge of the people.
Governors in attendance included Abate Edi’i Jean, Governor, North Region, Cameroon; Brig-Gen. Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma, Governor of the Diffa Region, Niger Republic; Ildjima Abdraman of Hadjer Lamis Region, Chad Republic; Midjiyawa Bakari of the Far North Region, Cameroon; and Gen. Saleh Haggar Tidjani of the Province of Lac, Chad.
