The Yobe State Government is set to host the fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting from January 29 to 31, 2025, in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria. This forum aims to address the persistent regional challenges affecting the Lake Chad Basin.
The meeting occurs at a critical time when the region continues to grapple with the long-lasting effects of the Boko Haram conflict, along with issues such as extreme poverty, climate change, and various socio-economic challenges. Over the past fifteen years, the Lake Chad Basin has experienced widespread displacement, impacting over 6 million individuals, including refugees and internally displaced persons. Approximately 74% of these individuals reside in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated regional responses.
Leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon will convene to discuss strategies for promoting peace and development in the region. The fifth forum, themed “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” aims to foster dialogue, coordination, and cooperation among the affected regions. Key discussions will focus on understanding current security and humanitarian trends, facilitating exits from Boko Haram-controlled areas, and accelerating the implementation of Territorial Action Plans (TAPs).
Additionally, the forum will emphasize boosting cross-border trade to support economic recovery, combating food insecurity, and addressing the impacts of illicit drug trafficking on violence. A significant focus will be placed on empowering civil society organizations, particularly those led by youth and women, to actively engage in recovery and resource mobilization efforts.
During closed-door sessions, governors will discuss specific regional challenges, while partners will organize parallel sessions for other forum participants to explore various issues. This approach aims to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in formulating effective solutions.
Following the main forum, a follow-up phase will be implemented to ensure that key recommendations are effectively executed. Responsibilities for these recommendations will be assigned to various stakeholders, with clear deadlines established to maintain accountability and ensure progress.
The forum will serve not only as a platform for political dialogue but also as an opportunity to share best practices and evidence-based research. Approximately 500 participants are expected to attend the main forum, which will include representatives from national and state governments, traditional leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and educational institutions. A pre-Forum will take place from January 27 to 28, 2025, to set the stage for the main event. It is important to note that participation in the pre-Forum does not guarantee attendance at the main forum, as both events will require separate registration processes.
Abdullahi Bego, Yobe State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, stated, “By hosting this forum, Yobe State is demonstrating its commitment to fostering regional stability and collaboration. This event will provide a crucial platform for discussions aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding communities in the Lake Chad Basin. The outcomes of the forum are anticipated to lay the groundwork for a more hopeful and resilient future for all affected communities in the region. This initiative illustrates the importance of collective efforts in addressing complex challenges and building sustainable solutions for the Lake Chad Basin’s long-term development and security.”
