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The long-abandoned waterway between Baga in northern Borno State and neighboring Chad may soon come back to life as Governor Babagana Umara Zulum steps up efforts to restore trade and economic activities in the Lake Chad region.
During a visit to Baga on Saturday, Zulum held high-level consultations with military commanders and security officials on plans to clear the strategic waterway that has remained largely inaccessible for years due to insurgency and insecurity.
The governor said discussions focused on the practical steps needed to secure the route and facilitate the movement of goods and people between Nigeria and Chad, a development that could significantly boost the livelihoods of communities devastated by years of conflict.
“Our visit to Baga was to interface with the Nigerian Army to discuss modalities of clearing waterways from Baga to the Republic of Chad,” Zulum told reporters after the meeting.
He expressed optimism that the customs clearance operation will begin soon, noting that both the Nigerian and Chadian governments are already working together on arrangements to allow the smooth movement of goods across the border.
The proposed reopening is seen as a major economic lifeline for communities around Lake Chad, where fishing, farming and cross-border trade have historically supported thousands of families. The disruption of these activities by rebel violence has contributed to economic decline, displacement and widespread humanitarian challenges across the region.
Security experts and local stakeholders believe that restoring the route could help reconnect markets, reduce transportation costs and encourage the return of legitimate trade activities that once flourished between Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
In addition to security discussions, Zulum inspected several key projects in Kukawa Local Government Area aimed at accelerating post-conflict recovery. The projects include a General Hospital, a Mega Primary School and the Islamic Higher College.
The Islamic High College is designed to provide educational opportunities to Almajiri’s out-of-school children and pupils through a curriculum that combines Islamic and Western education. Graduates of the institution will be eligible for admission to universities, polytechnics and educational institutes across the country.
The governor also unveiled plans to support local economic recovery through agriculture. He announced that improved agricultural implements, agricultural implements and seedlings will soon be distributed to farmers, while repatriated fishing communities will receive assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.
The planned reopening of the Baga-Chad waterway is part of the Borno State government’s broader efforts to stabilize communities affected by over a decade of insurgency. It also aligns with ongoing regional initiatives aimed at restoring security, encouraging resettlement and boosting economic activities across the Lake Chad Basin.
For many residents, reopening the waterway represents more than a transportation project; it is seen as a symbol of recovery and a path to renewed prosperity for communities seeking to rebuild after years of conflict and isolation
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