The president of the Forum of Governors of the Chad Lake Basin and the governor of the State of Yobe, Mai Malo Buni, has urged member states to strengthen regional cooperation to address the pressing challenges of insecurity, food shortages, infrastructure gaps and climatic threats facing the Lake Chad region.
Governor Buni appealed in N'Djamena, Republic of Chad, during the inaugural joint commitment between the forum of governors of the Chad Lake Basin and the commission of the Lake Chad basin.
According to him, “this inaugural commitment is very special to me, being the first since I assumed the forum leadership,” Buni said. “It gives me greater responsibility to reinforce our collective resolution of peace, stabilization and prosperity in our region.”
He pointed out that the resolutions achieved during the fifth meeting of the forum held previously in Maiduguri were anchored in key pillars such as security cooperation, humanitarian support, sustainable development and climate resistance.
The governor highlighted the need to increase the capacity of the multinational joint task force (MNJTF), improve cross -border infrastructure and improve the mobilization of resources through international financing mechanisms.
Governor Buni also welcomed the validation of the regional strategy for stabilization, recovery and resistance, and the launch of the support project for the restoration of ecological and economic functions of the Chad Lake Basin.
“These initiatives are expected to improve climatic adaptation, promote life and strengthen the early response capacity in the region,” he said.
He praised the Nigerian government for his continuous support, particularly infrastructure, and announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstruction of critical roads within the Chad Lake Corridor.
Buni requested joint agricultural support initiatives, saying that improving food production would help address food insecurity and promote regional economic recovery.
Previously, the governor of N'Djamena, Amina Kodjiana, and the executive secretary of the Commission of the Lake Chad basin, the Nuhu Mamman ambassador, praised Governor Buni for his leadership and expressed their confidence in the renewed direction of the forum.
The Forum of Governors of the Lake Chad Basin includes governors of Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger, who work in collaboration with the Commission of the Chad Lake Basin to address the common challenges that affect the subregion.