Borno’s Lake Chad Project Targets 1 Million Jobs For Farmers, Fishers

News in brief:

- The Baga-Chad Republic Water Clearance Project is expected to revive agriculture, fishing, and trans-border trade, creating over one million jobs for Nigerians while boosting economic activities around Lake Chad.

- Governor Zulum also inaugurated a 48-classroom integrated school in Baga, combining formal education, Islamic knowledge, and vocational skills to empower out-of-school children and reduce insecurity in Borno State.

For decades, communities around Lake Chad have watched their land shrink, their waters recede, and their livelihoods disappear. Farmers could no longer irrigate as before, fishermen found nets coming up empty, and traders who once relied on the bustling Baga-Chad route struggled with blocked waterways. But today, hope is returning.

The Borno State Government, under Governor Babagana Zulum, says its ongoing water clearance project at Baga could create over one million jobs in agriculture, fishing, and cross-border trade when completed.

Reviving the Lake Chad Economy

The Baga-Chad Republic Water Clearance Project is designed to remove decades of silt and invasive plants clogging river channels that link Baga town to the shrinking Lake Chad. Once cleared, boats will once again ferry fish, rice, maize, vegetables, and other commodities from Nigeria into Chad and beyond.

Governor Zulum, during an inspection of the site, expressed optimism about the project’s impact.

“Millions of jobs will be created once this clearance is completed. Fishing has already started here, and in the coming months, goods will move from Baga to the Republic of Chad via waterways. This will be a game changer,” he said.

The project is expected to boost fishing activities, open up farmland irrigation opportunities, and increase the movement of agricultural produce across borders,  benefits that will ripple through local communities.

Jobs for Farmers and Fishermen

According to agricultural development experts, water restoration is critical for farmers in the Lake Chad Basin. Irrigation from river channels makes year-round farming possible, particularly for crops like rice, maize, and vegetables.

In fishing, restored waterways mean better catches of tilapia, catfish, and other species that local families depend on for food and trade. For smallholder farmers and fisherfolk, this translates into more income, better diets, and new opportunities for youth and women.

But there are broader implications, too. Experts warn that as climate change continues to shrink Lake Chad, initiatives like this are vital to preventing hunger and forced migration in the region.

Education as a Foundation for Development

Beyond water and farming, Zulum is also investing in education as a tool for peace and long-term prosperity. On the same day, he inaugurated a 48-classroom Integrated High Islamic College in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.

The new school blends modern subjects like English and Mathematics with Islamic studies and vocational skills training, ensuring students are equipped for both spiritual growth and practical livelihoods.

“We want these children to have the opportunity to sit for JAMB and gain admission into Nigerian universities,” Zulum said, promising free meals to encourage attendance.

The project is part of more than 20 integrated schools built by his administration to tackle illiteracy and reduce insecurity by giving out-of-school children a second chance.

Government and Community Partnership

According to Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, the state has supplied free uniforms, books, dignity kits, and bags to students. Teachers have also been recruited locally to ensure the schools remain rooted in the communities they serve.

“This initiative is not just about education. It is about restoring dignity, empowering families, and building resilience in places like Baga that have suffered from conflict and neglect,” Wakilbe said.

The Bigger Picture

The dual investments in agriculture and education send a strong signal: Borno’s recovery is being built from the ground up. Clearing waterways may restore farming and fishing, while integrated schools prepare the next generation for leadership and innovation.