Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has said that farming and
fishing activities are to resume in six communities of Lake Chad
Basin.
The communities, which are located on shores of lake, include Wulgo,
Marte, Monguno, Baga, Damasak and Malam Fatori; were also affected in
decade long Boko Haram insurgency.
Zulum announced the resumption at the weekend, while launching the
State’s 25-year recovery and development plan at Government House,
Maiduguri.
“Agricultural and fishing activities, including livestock production
on shores of Lake Chad will resume next year,” he said.
According to him, Government will also ensure the re-opening of
187-kilometre Maiduguri/Damboa/Biu road that was closed two years by
military.
He also directed that all road blocks and tolls have to be opened on
or before November 1, 2020.
He said that the administration will not allow any individual to
sabotage these good initiatives.
Besides resumption of agricultural and livestock production in region,
he said: “The state government will promote and establish trans-border
trade with free movement of goods and people without military escorts
to Banki and Gambouru.”
While implementing the plan, he said: “The most critical element of
implementing the development plan, is security.
“The resilience of people in liberated communities, has to be
strengthened by empowering them, particularly members of Civilian JTF,
vigilantes and local hunters.”
He continued; “We’re to ensure the resettlement of 1.7 million
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) to their respective communities
and create access of people to their farmlands.
Zulum also appreciated the Nigerian military for the good works it has
been doing in the last three months.
“We commend the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for a
wonderful outing within the state,” he said.
