Maiduguri, Nigeria 29 January 2025 – The 5th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, organized by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was officially opened by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The Governors’ Forum will run from 29^th January to 31^st January under the theme: Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community. The Forum aims to facilitate dialogue, coordination, and cross-border cooperation in the region and to offer opportunities for multi-stakeholder engagement.

The event, hosted by the Yobe State Government, brings together eight Governors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, alongside international development partners, humanitarian organizations, civil society organizations, and representatives from local and international communities to address pressing security challenges and explore solutions for stability in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Opening the Forum, Vice President H.E. Senator Kashim Shettima, delivering the remarks on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, stated that while military power is necessary to contain these security threats, it must be accompanied by strategies that address their root causes, including poverty, inequality, and lack of job opportunities for the region's young population. The Vice President added, “Our response to these threats must be multifaceted. While military solutions are indispensable, they must be complemented by strategies that address the root causes of insecurity—poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunities for our youth.”

The Governors’ Forum provides a space for humanitarian, development, and peace actors, donors, and security actors to engage directly to define concrete and actionable plans for stabilizing the region and guiding efforts to support recovery and long-term development. It is a vital platform for promoting sustainable regional peace and security. 

Speaking during the opening of the Forum, the Host Governor, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, highlighted the importance of the Governors’ Forum as an opportunity for states around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon to discuss and reflect on the journey so far since the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience became operational six years ago. He further stated, “Today, we convene at a time when the Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that include growing demographic, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change, and socio-economic disparities—that demand concerted efforts. 

In his welcome remarks, Executive Secretary of Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu said the Governors Forum "serves as a critical platform for fostering dialogue, enhancing collaboration, and reaffirming our collective commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin.” He added that the theme of this year’s meeting, “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” reflects the immense progress achieved so far through the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram-affected areas (RS SRR) and the equally tremendous work that needs to be done.

Since 2019, the Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) has helped transform parts of the Lake Chad Basin, restoring stability, fostering economic recovery, and rebuilding communities affected by prolonged conflict. The facility continues to adapt and expand its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the Lake Chad Basin, ensuring sustainable impacts and long-term resilience for the region's communities.

Adding to the remarks, Ms. Anka Feldhusen, Director for Crisis Prevention and Stabilisation, Federal Office of Germany, Representative International Support Group, stated, “Thanks to the impressive work by all actors gathered, good progress has been achieved. The international support group continues to stand with the people of the region to build a stable and prosperous future.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the UNDP Regional Director for Africa and UN Assistant Secretary-General Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa – Dr. Matthias Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Center for Africa, stated, “We stand at a crossroads for the Lake Chad Basin—a region marked by its resilience and promise, but also by profound challenges. Together, through the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram-affected areas, we have achieved remarkable progress. He added, “Essential infrastructure has been rehabilitated, displaced populations are beginning to return home, and livelihoods are being restored. Communities that were once engulfed in despair now dare to hope again. These strides represent not only our collective determination but also the extraordinary strength of the people and governments of the Lake Chad Basin.”

The Regional Stabilisation Facility, born out of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, has been instrumental in implementing the RS-SRR. Through collaborative efforts, practical and enduring solutions have been created that have enabled half a million internally displaced persons to return to their communities and significantly enhance their quality of life. 

For more information and media inquiries, contact:

• Fajong Joseph Lereh, Communication Specialist, Lake Chad Basin Commission | j.fajong@cblt.org
• Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg, Public Engagement, Outreach and Partnership Lead, UNDP Nigeria | christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org
• Amalachukwu Ibeneme, Communications Analyst, UNDP Nigeria | amalachukwu.ibeneme@undp.org
• Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Head of Communications and Regional Communications Analyst, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa and UNDP Senegal | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org

Notes for Editors:

About the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC)

The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) was established on 22 May 1964 with a focus on managing Lake Chad and its shared water resources, preserving the ecosystems, and promoting regional integration, peace, security, and development in the Lake Chad Region.

Learn more at www.cblt.org/

About the African Union Commission

The African Union Commission (AUC) is the AU’s secretariat and undertakes the day-to-day activities of the Union. It is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Some of its functions include representing the AU and defending its interests under the guidance of and as mandated by the Assembly and the Executive Council and acting as the custodian of the AU Constitutive Act and all other OAU/AU legal instruments.

Learn more at www. https://au.int/en/commission

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa

Follow the conversation @lcbc_cblt @UNDPWACA.