Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Thursday sought for sustainable solutions to tackling the Lake Chad’s agricultural and water related challenges.
Zulum made the call during panel session at the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum meeting on Thursday in Maiduguri.
The governor suggested that the vast water resources in Nigeria could be harnessed to address the water scarcity issue in the Lake Chad Basin.
He pointed out the need for the Federal Government to investing in water harvesting techniques and a robust water storage facility to recharge groundwater and alleviate surface water limitations in the region.
“Currently, we are blessed with an abundance of continental water, yet we are not maximising its potential.
“Through water harvesting and strategic infrastructure, we can store and utilise this water to recharge groundwater supplies in the Lake Chad Basin,” Zulum said.
He also advocated for a shift toward focusing on medium and long-term sustainable solutions, particularly in the area of agriculture.
The governor urged international partners to invest in commercial agriculture, seed production, and climate smart farming techniques that would allow the region to thrive in the face of climate change.
Zulum called for investments in solar energy to power irrigation systems and other infrastructure necessary for agricultural growth.
The governor expressed concern over lack of capacity to exploit the region’s abundant groundwater, saying the introduction of solar power systems could unlock significant agricultural potential.
“We cannot continue to rely on short-term, unsustainable humanitarian responses.
“What we need is a comprehensive approach that includes large scale investments in agriculture, renewable energy, and water management.
“Only then we can ensure long-term prosperity for our people,” he said.
Also speaking, Bukar Tijjani, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Borno, emphasised the critical role of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in the region’s economy.
Tijjani highlighted the historical importance of the region, noting that Lake Chad Basin had long been a hub for agricultural and pastoral activities.
He said more than 80 per cent of the population in the basin, which spans Nigeria, Niger, and parts of Cameroon, depend on crop farming, livestock, and fishing for their livelihoods.
“Climate change, coupled with human activities, has led to a significant reduction in the size of the lake, affecting millions who rely on it for their daily sustenance.
“But we have the opportunity to reverse this trend with political commitment, scientific knowledge, and the involvement of local communities,” Tijjani said.
He aalso spoke on the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration since 2021, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SSG also called for a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices, urging governments and development partners to prioritise investment in food systems that could enhance productivity and self-reliance in the region.
Tijjani also highlighted the potential for inter-basin water transfer projects, particularly from the Congo Basin to Lake Chad.
The SSG, however, acknowledged that such projects would require significant financial investment in the billions of dollars.
He said that the large scale infrastructure projects were important, adding that there were also smaller, community driven solutions that could help restore the ecosystem and boost agricultural production.
The SSG emphasised the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in opening up the opportunities for regional trade and economic growth.
“The region’s agricultural and livestock sectors have the potential to generate billions of dollars, and with the right investments and infrastructure, we can restore Lake Chad to its productivity status,” Tijjani added.