Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has set a bold agenda for the revitalization of the Lake Chad Basin, calling for urgent investment in groundwater-driven agriculture to unlock the region’s vast food production potential.
Receiving the newly inaugurated Board of the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) at the Government House in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum highlighted the untapped abundance of groundwater along the shores of Lake Chad, particularly in Kirenowa, Marte, Gamborun Ngala, and Baga.
He stressed that strategic harnessing of these resources is critical for food sufficiency, economic growth, and regional stability.
“We can no longer rely solely on surface water. Our findings confirm that groundwater resources in the Lake Chad region are extensive. With decisive action, we can transform these assets into engines of prosperity.” ” Zulum declared.
Backing his vision with concrete action, Governor Zulum announced major investments by the State Government: ₦2 billion allocated to cultivate 1,000 hectares of farmland using solar-powered irrigation in Baga, and ₦1.5 billion committed to similar projects nearing completion in Gamborun Ngala and Marte.
However, he revealed the cultivation of a 16-kilometre agricultural stretch in Damasak, made possible through the drilling of 3,000 tube wells introducing large-scale groundwater irrigation to areas historically dependent on rain-fed farming.
The Governor outlined even more ambitious plans, including the development of 400,000 hectares under solar and pump-based irrigation in Gamboru and Marte, under the South Chad Irrigation Scheme revival efforts.
“Our mission is not just to revive farming, but to build resilient communities, create livelihoods for returnees, and secure food production for generations, Borno is ready to lead a new agricultural era for the Lake Chad region.”Zulum said.
He further disclosed that discussions are underway with the Presidency and military authorities to establish a military battalion in Kirenowa, aimed at protecting vital irrigation infrastructure critical to the success of the region’s agricultural renaissance.
Leadership of the CBDA, led by Chairman Professor Abdu Dauda Biu and Managing Director Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa, pledged full support for the Governor’s vision.
They commended ongoing interventions at key facilities like the Alau Dam and assured of strengthened collaboration on irrigation, livestock development, and fisheries across the Basin.
