Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) to make significant investments in groundwater irrigated farming around the Lake Chad area, in order to enhance food sufficiency and stimulate economic revitalisation across the State and the North East region.
Governor Zulum made the call when the newly constituted Board of the Chad Basin Development Authority, led by its Chairman, Professor Abdu Dauda Biu, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Highlighting the agricultural potential of the region, the Governor explained that the shores of Lake Chad, particularly areas such as Kirenowa, Marte, Gamborun Ngala, and Baga, are endowed with abundant groundwater resources and arable land suitable for irrigation.
“I wish to draw your kind attention to the presence of considerable groundwater along the shores of Lake Chad. We must not rely solely on surface water,” Zulum stated.
“Recently, I dispatched a fact-finding mission to Gamborun Ngala, and the team confirmed the availability of substantial groundwater resources, which we can harness for irrigation farming.”
Governor Zulum also announced that the State Government has committed about ₦2 billion to cultivate 1,000 hectares of farmland using a solar-powered irrigation system in Baga, and additional ₦1.5 billion has been earmarked for similar projects in Gamborun Ngala and Marte, both of which are nearing completion.
“In our efforts to revitalise the South Chad Irrigation Scheme, we are currently cultivating 1,000 hectares of land under the Baga Polder Irrigation Project at a cost of approximately ₦2 billion. Additionally, we are developing 200,000 hectares at the Gamboru Pump House and another 200,000 hectares at the Gamboru Ladari solar-powered irrigation system, to revive farming activities across the region,” the Governor added.
Professor Zulum further revealed that his administration had successfully drilled about 3,000 tube wells in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area, enabling farmers to cultivate a 16-kilometre stretch of land, an initiative that introduced groundwater irrigation to an area previously unfamiliar with such practices.
The Governor pledged to continue collaborating closely with the CBDA to expand farmland cultivation in Ngala, Damasak, and New Marte, providing livelihoods for returnees and ensuring sustainable food security.
Governor Zulum also expressed the State Government’s commitment to supporting the revival of the Chad Basin Kirenowa pumping station, noting that efforts are underway to establish a military battalion in the area to enhance security.
“As government, we will like to know where we can come in because the potentials are there. I am in consultation with the President and the military hierarchy on the possibility of establishing a military battalion in Kirenowa with a view to safeguarding the pumping station,” Zulum remarked.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Professor Abdu Dauda Biu and the Managing Director, Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa informed the Governor that the new Board was constituted on 13th December 2024.
They reported that they had visited critical facilities under their supervision, including the Alau Dam, and commended Governor Zulum for his interventions in its management.
The CBDA leadership pledged to collaborate with the State Government on initiatives related to irrigation, livestock rearing, and fishing. They also appealed for the Governor’s support in ensuring the timely completion of the rehabilitation of the Alau Dam, recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
