From HASSAN JIRGI, Ndjamena
Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni has called for reinforced border infrastructure and collective action against illicit arms and drug trafficking, saying it is critical to securing the Lake Chad Basin.
Governor Buni made the declaration during his inaugural meeting as chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, LCBC, at its headquarters in Ndjamena, Chad Republic.
He described the engagement as a significant milestone in advancing regional security and development.
“This inaugural meeting is particularly special, being my first as chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum.
“It deepens my commitment to strengthen our collective resolve for peace, stabilisation and prosperity across the region,” the governor stated
He highlighted resolutions from the forum’s fifth meeting in Maiduguri, which focused on boosting the operational capacity of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, advancing cross-border infrastructure and mobilising resources through the Special Multi-Partner Delivery Fund and Nexus Funding Facility.
According to him, “Our priorities include enhancing border infrastructure for seamless trade, dismantling illicit arms and drug networks and reversing ecological degradation. These demand will ensure robust regional collaboration and swift implementation of proven strategies.”
Governor Buni also underscored transformative initiatives like the Support Project for the Restoration of the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin, urging stakeholders to accelerate the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery and Resilience and Deploy Effective Early Warning Systems.
Commending the federal support, he announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval to reconstruct critical corridors – Dikwa-Ngala and Bama-Banki roads —under the Dangote Tax Credit Scheme.
He added that these roads are vital for connectivity, trade and security response.
He stressed the urgency of countering youth radicalisation and illicit trade, while calling on LCBC to harmonise investments and strengthen joint accountability.
In their remarks, the governor of Ndjamena, Amina Kodjiana and LCBC’s Executive Secretary, Ambassador Nuhu Mamman lauded Governor Buni’s dedication, pledging support for his tenure’s potential to advance regional stability.
