LCBGF vows to stabilise livelihood, economic activities in Lake Chad – Gov. Buni
The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF) on Wednesday expressed determination to renew its commitment in stabilising security, livelihood and economic activities in the region.
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, the chief of host of LCBGF’s 5th edition made the declaration in a welcome address at the opening ceremony of a three-day meeting in Maiduguri.
“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.
“This underscores our unity of purpose, and rekindling the age-long standing brotherhood among the member states.
“It is also a platform to consolidate our collective efforts in ensuring sustainable peace, security, and development across the region,” Buni said.
The theme of this year’s forum is “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” underscores the need for sustained regional cooperation to address the complex challenges in the area.
The event is being hosted by the Yobe Government in collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He, however, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and continuous commitment to advancing national, regional and international peace, development and security agenda.
Buni said that the president had consistently demonstrated his commitment to regional cooperation and stability.
“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, the governor said the meeting would 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 stabilisation, 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 stabilisation 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,” he added.
The governor said that the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS-SRR) is a testament to what they could achieve collectively.
“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 Stabilisation, 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.
The United Nations, Lake Chad Basin Commission, UNDP, African Union Commission and all development support group and partners who have been instrumental in this journey.
“I urge all stakeholders to remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles of peace, collaboration, and resilience.
Let us reaffirm our shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Lake Chad Basin.
“The challenges we face are vast, but so too is our collective capacity to overcome them. Together, we will build a region that exemplifies the strength of unity and the power of partnership.
“Yobe State Government as 5th Forum host, is pleased to provide the platform for delegates and participants to strengthen networks and collaboration towards ensuring stabilisation, recovery, and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin region in the months and years ahead.”
His his remarks, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said the cross-border cooperation remained central to the Lake Chad Basin’s recovery and growth.
Zulum reaffirmed that Borno government has remained committed to fostering peace and regional stability since the establishment of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum,
He detailed the state’s efforts to rebuild and enhance its infrastructure, improve security, and create livelihood opportunities for affected communities.
“These efforts align with the Forum’s broader goal of promoting peace, security, and sustainable development in the region,” he said.
The governor also underscored the importance of maintaining strong regional dialogue and forging effective partnerships between governments, international organisations, and the private sector to achieve long-term solutions for regional challenges.
“As a response to these challenges, Borno State has developed a multi-year strategy supported by a 2.7 billion dollars budget to address the needs of approximately 5.5 million people in the region, including displaced persons and refugees.
“The strategy aligns with national and regional policies and is aimed at creating a people-centered approach to recovery and resilience,” he said.
Zulum also commended the partnership between Borno and UNHCR, UNICEF, FAO, the World Food Programme, IOM, and other organisations for their collaboration in providing infrastructure and livelihood support to refugees and displaced persons.
These initiatives, he said, were part of Borno’s “Building Back Better” framework aimed at restoring and enhancing the resilience of affected communities.
In his remarks, Gov Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the collective recognition that we have a problem at hand is no longer a secret.
Fintiri said “We are unified in our resolve to address the urgent issues that have plagued the Basin for decades.
“It is an unfortunate reality that the President’s response to the environmental turmoil in the region has been passive, despite the alarming evidence of shrinking water resources, loss of biodiversity, and the threat to wildlife migration.
“Recent reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have revealed the grim situation that Lake Chad has shrunk by 90 per cent in the last 60 years, largely due to climate change, irrigation practices, dam construction, and increasing population.
“This shrinkage has had far-reaching consequences, including the decline in feedstock, reduced agricultural productivity, and growing competition for the already scarce water resources.
“It is disheartening to note that this environmental degradation is not merely an ecological concern; it is a driver of conflict and terrorism.
“As the situation worsens, it fosters an environment of poverty, desperation, and resentment, which makes people more vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.
He urged governments, international partners, and stakeholders to continue cooperation and efforts in addressing the root causes of the crises facing the Lake Chad Basin.
The meeting with about 1,000 delegates in attendance from Republics of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria was expected to take stock of the progress made and agree on a shared understanding of the trajectory of the current situation in Lake Chad Basin.
The stakeholders are expected to proffer different programmatic and policy pathways to enhanced regional cooperation, stabilisation, and long-term peace and sustainable development in the region.
The opportunities will also be explored towards accelerating the implementation of Territorial Action Plans (TAPs) and securing funding for RS-SRR projects, Addressing the links between drug abuse and violent extremism, with a focus on prevention strategies.
