By Abdul Kareem

In an effort to usher in a new age of agricultural prosperity in Northern Nigeria, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State secured a pivotal commitment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reactivation of the South Chad irrigation scheme. 

This development emerged from a strategic meeting at the Presidential Villa, where the two leaders discussed the future of a region poised for growth.

With the specter of conflict receding from Borno State, Governor Zulum outlined the promise of peace and the pressing need to capitalize on it by revitalizing the South Chad irrigation project—a project that could serve as a lifeline for the state’s economy and the nation’s food supply. 

“Now that we are having relative peace in Borno State, there is a need for the government to ensure the re-establishment of the South Chad irrigation project,” Zulum told reporters at the presidential villa following the meeting.

Zulum enthused that President Tinubu’s response was more than mere words; it was a commitment to action. He said the number one citizen has assured him that the establishment of robust security measures around the Lake Chad Basin was imminent, which will facilitate the long-awaited access to the region’s fertile agricultural lands.

 “I spoke with Mr. President and he assured me to look into establishing a solid security outfit in the Lake Chad Basin so that people can access the agricultural lands,” Zulum relayed with an air of confidence.

The Humanitarian Times can report that this move by President Tinubu addresses the critical barrier that has for years stifled the potential of the South Chad irrigation scheme: insecurity. The project has languished, unable to fulfill its role as a cornerstone of agricultural productivity due to the threats that have plagued the region. 

Governor Zulum highlighted the project’s significance, not just to Borno, but to the food security of the entire country. 

“The South Chad irrigation project has tremendous potential to produce food to cater for the needs of the entire northern Nigeria or I can say even the whole country,” he assured. 

One can understand that the reactivation of the South Chad irrigation project is a strategic move in Nigeria’s broader ambitions to achieve food security. With the nation grappling with the challenges of feeding a growing population, the successful operation of the scheme could prove to be a game-changer.

“So, I think this is very important information now that the country is working towards ensuring food security, both in quantity and quality,” said Zulum, highlighting the scheme’s role in fulfilling these goals.

As the conversation between President Tinubu and Governor Zulum concluded, it was clear that the South Chad irrigation scheme is more than an infrastructure project; it is a beacon of hope for a region that has been synonymous with struggle and strife. The commitment to secure and rehabilitate the irrigation infrastructure symbolizes not only the promise of bountiful harvests but also the return of livelihoods, stability, and progress.

The importance of this project cannot be overstated. It represents a critical intersection of security, development, and sustainability. By ensuring the scheme’s functionality, the government is poised to unlock the agricultural potential of the Lake Chad Basin, offering a sustainable solution to the pervasive issues of hunger and poverty.

In the wake of this meeting, eyes will be keenly watching for tangible progress on the South Chad irrigation scheme. If realized, this project could stand as a signpost to the power of collaborative governance and the unyielding spirit of the Nigerian people. It embodies a collective aspiration to transform the arid landscapes of Borno into fertile grounds for growth and prosperity, not just for today, but for generations to come. May this budding political will blossom.