Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has called on the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) to prioritise investment in groundwater irrigation as part of efforts to enhance food security and stimulate economic recovery across the North East region.
The governor made the appeal on Monday while receiving members of the newly inaugurated CBDA Board, led by Chairman Professor Abdu Dauda Biu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri.
Highlighting the agricultural potential of the Lake Chad region, Zulum stressed the importance of shifting away from sole reliance on surface water sources. He pointed to areas such as Kirenowa, Marte, Gamborun Ngala, and Baga, which he said possess substantial groundwater reserves and fertile land ideal for irrigation farming.
“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 said. He noted that a fact-finding mission he dispatched to Gamborun Ngala recently confirmed the availability of significant groundwater resources suitable for irrigation farming.
The governor disclosed that his administration had invested about ₦2 billion in cultivating 1,000 hectares of farmland in Baga using a solar-powered irrigation system. He added that a further ₦1.5 billion had been earmarked for similar projects in Gamborun Ngala and Marte, which are nearing completion.
“In our efforts to revitalise the South Chad Irrigation Scheme, we are currently cultivating 1,000 hectares under the Baga Polder Irrigation Project,” Zulum said. “Additionally, 200,000 hectares each are being developed at the Gamboru Pump House and the Gamboru Ladari solar-powered irrigation system.”
He also revealed that about 3,000 tube wells had been drilled in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area, enabling farmers to cultivate vast stretches of land and introducing groundwater irrigation to the area for the first time.
Zulum pledged to continue working closely with the CBDA to expand farming activities in Ngala, Damasak, and New Marte, with the aim of providing sustainable livelihoods for returnees and boosting food production across the region.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the revival of the Chad Basin’s Kirenowa pumping station. He added that discussions were ongoing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and military leaders on the establishment of a military battalion in the Kirenowa area to enhance security around critical agricultural infrastructure.
“As a government, we want to know where we can contribute because the potentials are there,” Zulum said.
Earlier, CBDA Chairman Professor Abdu Dauda Biu and Managing Director Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa briefed Governor Zulum on the Board’s activities since its inauguration on December 13, 2024. They reported inspections of key facilities, including the Alau Dam, and commended the governor for his support in managing the dam.
The CBDA leadership pledged to collaborate closely with the Borno State Government to promote irrigation farming, livestock production, and fishing activities. They also sought the governor’s support for the timely rehabilitation of the Alau Dam, a project recently approved by President Tinubu.