Gov. Buni, Chadian authorities push for reopened waterways and border security

By Abubakar Haruna Muhammad
(9News Nigeria Northeast)

The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum has pledged to fast-track the reopening of regional waterways to boost security operations and trade, as part of new commitments to stabilize communities around the basin.

Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Mai Mala Buni, made this known on Wednesday during a visit to Nigerian refugees at the Kaya site in Chad’s Lac Province, and in talks with Chadian officials.

In a statement signed by Mamman Mohammed, Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to the governor, Buni said the forum would implement resolutions reached at its meeting in Maiduguri to support peace, security, and economic development across the region.

“We will pursue this with vigor to improve the lives of our people,” Buni said, referring to plans to reopen waterways for the movement of goods and to support security forces.

Earlier, the governor paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Chad’s Lac Province, Gen. Saleh Hagar Tidjani.

Buni commended Chad for hosting Nigerian refugees and settlers, and praised the peaceful coexistence between Nigerians and host communities.

Tidjani described the visit as an opportunity to deepen Nigeria-Chad cooperation on peaceful coexistence, security, stability, and economic development.

Buni said Nigeria and Chad must continue to strengthen collaboration to maintain peace along their shared borders, especially as displaced populations seek durable solutions.

On welfare, Buni assessed conditions at the Kaya refugee site and urged the displaced to remain law-abiding and report suspicious movements.

He also encouraged farming and fishing activities as a way to build self-reliance.

For refugees willing to return, Buni directed them to work with the Lake Chad Basin Commission for census and documentation, after which state governments will handle repatriation.

“For those of you willing to return home, you should liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to take the census while the state governments repatriate you back to your respective states,” he said.

The leader of the refugee community, Ba Bulama Usman, welcomed the engagement and assured the governor of the community’s commitment to peace and cooperation with host communities.

Buni was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, and the Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, Maj. Gen. ST Audu.