Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday visited Baga town to discuss plans for the reopening of the strategic waterway linking northern Borno to the Republic of Chad, a move aimed at reviving trade, commerce, and cross-border cooperation.
During the visit, Governor Zulum held high-level security meetings with military commanders in Baga and Kukawa to deliberate on the clearance of waterways that have remained inaccessible due to years of insurgency.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the governor said the discussions focused on developing modalities for reopening the route and restoring economic activities between Nigeria and Chad.
“Our visit to Baga was to interface with the Nigerian military to discuss the modalities for clearing waterways from Baga to the Republic of Chad,” Zulum stated.
He added that both the Nigerian and Chadian governments were working together to establish arrangements that would facilitate the movement of goods and strengthen commercial ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Following the security meeting, the governor inspected several ongoing development projects in Kukawa, including a General Hospital, a Mega Primary School, and the High Islamic College.
The High Islamic College is designed to provide educational opportunities for out of school children and Almajiri pupils through an integrated curriculum combining Islamic and Western education. Graduates of the institution will be eligible for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.
As part of efforts to support livelihoods in the region, Governor Zulum also announced plans to distribute farming tools, agricultural implements, and improved seedlings to farmers and returnee fishing communities.
The governor said the agricultural intervention would complement the reopening of the waterway and help accelerate economic recovery in communities affected by years of conflict.
