Gov Zulum Initiates Efforts to Revive Transborder Trade with Chad

Gov Zulum Initiates Efforts to Revive Transborder Trade with Chad

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State took a significant step on Monday, November 20, by embarking on a journey of over 20 kilometres along the Nigerian side of Lake Chad in Baga. The purpose of this expedition was to reopen avenues for transborder trade between Borno State and the Chad Republic.

Transborder trade between the two regions had faced a drastic decline over the past 13 years due to the pervasive activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists who exerted control over the Chad Basin.

During his visit to Baga, Governor Zulum not only aimed to revitalize cross-border trade but also assessed portions of Lake Chad in alignment with the state government’s plan to enhance agricultural activities along the basin’s shores.

Governor Zulum emphasized the potential for livelihoods to flourish in returnee communities with the resurgence of agricultural activities. He stated, “We are here to see how we can support large-scale farming. This town was ravaged by the insurgents, and people were resettled back about the last two or three years.”

The governor outlined the primary objective of the visit, saying, “Our first objective is to see how we can support the Army and the Navy to clear the waterways so that movement by boat from Baga to Chad can commence, which will enhance transborder trade and agriculture.“

Accompanying Governor Zulum on this mission were notable figures, including the member representing Kukawa at the State Assembly, Kirta Maina Ma’aji, MD Chad Basin Development Authority, Engr Abba Garba, the Borno State Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, Commissioner of Agriculture, Engr Bawu Musami, MD Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Engr Mohammed Musa Aliyu, and members of the Borno State Agricultural Transformation Committee.

Gov Zulum Initiates Efforts to Revive Transborder Trade with Chad