Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to Tackle Regional Security Issues 

The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has organised the fifth Governors’ Forum hosted by the Yobe State Government in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria. The forum, scheduled for January 27 – 30, aims to tackle the Lake Chad region’s pressing challenges.

Bringing together humanitarian organisations, local and international communities, and eight governors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and the Republic of the Niger, the forum will focus on sustainable solutions to promote security, peace, and development. 

The governors attending include Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State (host), Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, Lidjima Abdraman of Hadjer-Lamis, Brig. Gen Mohamadou Ibrahim of Diffa, Midjiyawa Bakari of the Far North Region, Abate Edi’i Jean of the North Region, and Gen. Saleh Haggar Tidjani of the Province of Lac.

Under the theme “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” the forum will outline strategies for addressing regional instability and fostering collaboration.

“The forum provides space for humanitarian, development and peace actors as well as donors and security actors to engage directly to define concrete and actionable plans for stabilising the region and guiding efforts to support recovery and long-term development in the region,” said Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary of the LCBC and head of mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Buni, the host governor, expressed optimism: “The Forum represents a great opportunity for us to advance cooperation and sustainable development across the Lake Chad Basin region, and Yobe State is fully prepared to ensure its success. [We are ready] to welcome our esteemed guests and to contribute meaningfully to the future of the Lake Chad Basin.”

A key highlight of the forum will be the launching two critical documents—Transitional Justice in the Lake Chad Basin and Community Based Reconciliation and Reintegration Policy. These are part of efforts to implement non-kinetic approaches to counter Boko Haram and ISWAP  insurgencies in the region. 

Lake Chad’s Struggles

The Lake Chad region, once a source of livelihood for millions, has faced relentless challenges over the years, including climate change, desertification, and unsustainable water management practices. These factors have reduced the lake’s size and worsened socio-economic vulnerabilities.

“The Lake Chad Basin is home to several million people in the region who derive their livelihood from the natural resources of the area. Unfortunately, climate change has affected the supply of the most important of the resources, which is water,” Prof. Daniel Musa Gwary, Director of the Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Maiduguri, told HumAngle. 

He noted, “The lake has shrunk systematically over the last 50 years to its record low level of 10% of its original level due to declining rainfall and increased upstream diversions. This has caused competition for this resource, affecting food production and trade, leading to conflicts among users and breeding of armed bandits trying to control the territory.” 

Gwary highlighted the need for sustainable resource management and pledged his institution’s support for ongoing efforts to stabilise the region. 

For more than a decade, terrorism by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other groups has destabilised communities, affecting millions and undermining local economies. The Governors’ Forum provides a unique opportunity for regional leaders to consolidate gains made in combating violent extremism and to renew their commitment to peace-building.

The forum aims to strengthen the resilience of communities grappling with insecurity and economic hardship by fostering cross-border cooperation and leveraging shared resources. This year, it will strongly emphasise sustainable development as a pathway to lasting peace and stability. Key discussions will centre on strategies to rebuild critical infrastructure, enhance regional security collaboration, and promote economic activities that empower local communities. Additionally, the forum will prioritise gender and social inclusion, acknowledging women and youth’s pivotal role in driving sustainable development and peace.

The decisions made during the forum could reshape the future of the Lake Chad Basin, which is home to over 45 million people. However, success will depend on translating discussions into concrete, actionable outcomes backed by the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders.

The LCBC was established in 1964 by the four countries bordering Lake Chad: Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, and Chad. The Central African Republic joined the commission in 1996, followed by Libya in 2008. Egypt, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo later joined as observer members.

Headquartered in N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad, the LCBC has a critical mandate in the region. Its responsibilities include managing Lake Chad and its shared water resources, preserving the ecosystems, and fostering regional integration, peace, security, and development.

Since its inception, the LCBC has served as a platform for cross-border cooperation, enabling member states to tackle the challenges affecting the region collectively.