Yobe State to Host 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum
Yobe State is set to host the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF) at the Indimi International Conference Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, from January 29 to 31, 2025.
The forum, organised by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will focus on the theme: “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.”
Speaking ahead of the event, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed his administration’s commitment to the success of the forum, noting its importance in fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin.
“As the host Governor of this edition of the Governors’ Forum, I am deeply honoured to reaffirm Yobe State’s commitment to advancing cooperation for sustainable development across the Lake Chad Basin region,” Buni said.
The forum will bring together about 500 participants, including representatives from the governments of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; regional economic communities; NGOs; CSOs; traditional leaders; and donors. Key technical partners, research institutions, and United Nations agencies will also participate in the dialogue.
Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), described the forum as a significant platform for humanitarian, development, and peace actors to shape actionable plans for stabilising the region and advancing recovery.
“The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum remains an essential platform for promoting sustainable development, peace, and security in the region,” said Ambassador Adeoye Bankole, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission.
Pre-forum activities will take place from January 27 to 28, focusing on inclusivity through dialogue with civil society, traditional leaders, and local actors. Discussions will centre on social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and preventing violent extremism.
Since its inception, the forum has played a critical role in addressing the complex challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin, including displacement, interrupted public services, and weakened institutional capacities due to insurgency and instability.
According to Mr. Njoya Tikum, Director of the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa, the Regional Stabilisation Facility has facilitated impactful interventions, such as rehabilitating homes, schools, and health centres, while enabling nearly half a million internally displaced persons to return to their communities.
The forum will assess progress made so far, agree on strategies for enhanced regional cooperation, and propose new pathways for long-term peace and sustainable development.
