From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has urged 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 Biu, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri.
The governor explained that the shores of Lake Chad, particularly areas such as Kirenowa, Marte, Gamboru 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.
“Recently, I dispatched a fact-finding mission to Gamboru Ngala and the team confirmed the availability of substantial groundwater resources, which we can harness for irrigation farming,” Zulum said
He also announced that the state government had committed about N2 billion to cultivate 1,000 hectares of farmland using a solar-powered irrigation system in Baga and additional N1.5 billion has been earmarked for similar projects in Gamboru Ngala and Marte, both of which are nearing completion.
“In our efforts to revitalise South Chad Irrigation Scheme, we are currently cultivating 1,000 hectares of land under the Baga Polder Irrigation Project at a cost of approximately N2 billion. Additionally, we are developing 200,000 hectares at Gamboru Pump House and another 200,000 hectares at Gamboru Ladari solar-powered irrigation system, to revive farming activities across the region,” the governor added.
He 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 CBDA to expand farmland cultivation in Ngala, Damasak and New Marte, providing livelihoods for returnees and ensuring sustainable food security.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the board, Professor Biu, and the Managing Director, Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa informed the governor that the new Board was constituted on December 13, 2024.
They reported that they had visited critical facilities under their supervision, including 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 Alau Dam, recently approved by President Bola Tinubu.
