Lake Chad: Gov Zulum Advocates Regional Approach to Tap Irrigation Potential for food security

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged governors in the Lake Chad Basin to prioritize investments in irrigation agriculture to enhance food security and economic growth in the region.

He made the call on the second day of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum Conference, which was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The conference is currently taking place at the Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

Governor Zulum noted that irrigation farming remains underutilized in the region despite the vast availability of arable land and water sources from Lake Chad. He stressed the need for collective action among the affected states to harness these resources for sustainable agricultural development.

He highlighted that Borno State alone has a total landmass of 72,000 square kilometers, much of which is suitable for irrigation. According to him, with strategic investment, the region can significantly increase agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on rain-fed farming.

The governor further emphasized that boosting irrigation agriculture would not only enhance food production but also create jobs and improve livelihoods, particularly for communities affected by insurgency and climate change. He urged international partners to support the initiative through funding and technical expertise.

He also called for enhanced regional cooperation in water management, noting that sustainable agricultural practices would contribute to food security, poverty reduction, and economic resilience across the Lake Chad Basin.