Gov. Zulum call for sustainable solutions to water and agricultural challenges in the LCB
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has called for urgent and long term solutions to address the water and agricultural challenges faced by the Lake Chad region.
Zulum made the call during panel session at the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum meeting Thursday in Maiduguri.
The governor emphasized the need for sustainable water management strategies and climate resilient agriculture to ensure the region’s development.
Governor Zulum explained that the vast water resources available within Nigeria that could be harnessed to address the water scarcity issue in the Lake Chad Basin.
He noted the importance of water harvesting techniques and the establishment of robust water storage systems 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 maximizing its potential,” Governor Zulum stated.
“Through water harvesting and strategic infrastructure, we can store and utilize this water to recharge groundwater supplies in the Lake Chad Basin.”he said.
He also advocated for a shift in focus towards 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.
He called for investments in solar energy to power irrigation systems and other infrastructure necessary for agricultural growth.
Governor Zulum expressed concern over the lack of capacity to exploit the region’s abundant groundwater, emphasizing that the introduction of solar power systems could unlock significant agricultural potential.
“We cannot continue to rely on short-term, unsustainable humanitarian responses,” he said.
“What we need is a comprehensive approach that includes large scale investments in agriculture, renewable energy, and water management. Only then can we ensure long-term prosperity for our people.”he said.
On his part, Secretary to the Government, Bukar Tijjani, emphasized the critical role of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in the region’s economy.
Tijjani highlighted the historical importance of the region, noting that the Lake Chad Basin has long been a hub for agricultural and pastoral activities.
He pointed out that over 80 percent of the population in the basin, which spans Nigeria, Niger, and parts of Cameroon, depend on crop farming, livestock, and fishing for their livelihoods.
However, he warned that these resources have dwindled significantly over the past decades due to climate change and human activities.
“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,” Tijjani stated.
“But we have the opportunity to reverse this trend with political commitment, scientific knowledge, and the involvement of local communities.”
The SSG also touched on the United Nations’ Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, which began in 2021, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He called for a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices, urging governments and development partners to prioritize investment in food systems that would 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, but acknowledged that such projects would require significant financial investment, potentially in the billions of dollars.
He stressed that while large scale infrastructure projects are important, there are also smaller, community driven solutions that can help restore the ecosystem and boost agricultural production.
He also emphasized the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in opening up 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 former productivity,” Tijjani added
