Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has called on the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) to invest in groundwater irrigation to boost food security and drive economic recovery across the state and the wider North East region.
Governor Zulum made the appeal on Monday while receiving the newly inaugurated Board of the CBDA, led by its Chairman, Professor Abdu Dauda Biu, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Highlighting the vast agricultural potential of the Lake Chad region, Zulum stressed the need to move beyond dependence on surface water sources.
He pointed to areas such as Kirenowa, Marte, Gamborun Ngala, and Baga, which he said boast abundant 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,” the Governor said. “Recently, I dispatched a fact-finding mission to Gamborun Ngala, and the team confirmed the availability of substantial groundwater resources which we can harness for irrigation farming.”
The Governor disclosed that his administration has invested about ₦2 billion to cultivate 1,000 hectares of farmland in Baga using a solar-powered irrigation system. He added that another ₦1.5 billion has been earmarked for similar projects in Gamborun Ngala and Marte, with both projects 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.”
Zulum also revealed that about 3,000 tube wells had been drilled in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area, allowing farmers to cultivate a Kilometer stretch of land introducing groundwater irrigation to the area for the first time.
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He pledged continued collaboration with the CBDA to expand farming activities in Ngala, Damasak, and New Marte, aiming to provide livelihoods for returnees and boost sustainable food production.
Governor Zulum further reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting the revival of the Chad Basin Kirenowa pumping station.
He noted that discussions were ongoing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and military leaders to establish 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 remarked.
Earlier, CBDA Chairman Professor Abdu Dauda Biu and Managing Director Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa briefed the Governor on the Board’s activities since its constitution on December 13, 2024. They reported inspections of key facilities, including the Alau Dam, and lauded the Governor for his support in managing the dam.
The CBDA leadership pledged to work closely with the Borno State Government to promote irrigation farming, livestock production, and fishing activities. They also sought the Governor’s assistance in ensuring the timely rehabilitation of the Alau Dam, a project recently approved by President Tinubu.
