Gov Zulum Reopens Trade Routes with Chad, Focuses on Agricultural Revitalization
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State embarked on a significant initiative on Monday, November 20, covering a distance of over 20km on the Nigerian side of Lake Chad at Baga.
The purpose of this endeavor was to reestablish trade connections between Borno State and Chad Republic, aiming to breathe life back into transborder trade that has suffered over the past 13 years due to the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the Chad Basin.
During his visit to Baga, Governor Zulum not only sought to reopen trade avenues but also assessed portions of Lake Chad in line with his government’s plans to boost agricultural activities along the basin’s shores.
The governor emphasized that with the revival of agricultural endeavors along Lake Chad, the communities displaced by insurgents would have access to livelihood opportunities.
“We are here to see how we can support large-scale farming; this town was ravaged by the insurgents and people were resettled back about last two or three years,” Governor Zulum stated. He added, “Our first objective is to see how we can support the Army and the Navy to clear the waterways so that movement by boat from Baga to Chad can commence, which will enhance transborder trade and agriculture.”
Governor Zulum was accompanied by key figures including Kirta Maina Ma’aji, the representative for Kukawa at the State Assembly, Engr Abba Garba, MD of Chad Basin Development Authority, Sugun Mai Mele (Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs), Engr Bawu Musami (Commissioner of Agriculture), Engr Mohammed Musa Aliyu (MD of Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency), and members of the Borno State Agricultural Transformation Committee.
This strategic move by the governor signifies a concerted effort to revitalize trade and agricultural activities in the region, contributing to the economic recovery and development of the affected communities.
