Governors' Forum

The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum is a pivotal platform for regional cooperation on stabilization, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Established to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin region, the Forum brings together 8 governors from Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria along with various stakeholders, to foster dialogue, coordination, and cross-border cooperation.

Crossborder Cooperation

Commitment to Peace

Addressing Key Challenges

Maiduguri 2025: Where Heart Meets Matter

As we gather for the 5th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, we are reminded that Maiduguri is not just a city, but a symbol of resilience and hope. Here, where heart meets matter, we come together to consolidate our gains, commit to peace, and foster cross-border cooperation. This forum is a testament to our collective dedication to rebuilding the Lake Chad Region, ensuring security, and promoting sustainable development for a resilient community.

Welcome to LCB Governors Forum

Distinguished GuestsWelcome to the 5th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri. Under the theme “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin,” we gather to strengthen our commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced, our resilience has led to significant progress. This forum is a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation, essential for our region’s future.

Thank you for your support and dedication. Together, let’s build a resilient and prosperous Lake Chad Basin.

HIS EXCELLENCY, HON. MAI MALA BUNI CON, COMN, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Theme:

5th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum

Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community

January 29 - 31 2025 | Maiduguri, Nigeria

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FORUM AGENDA

FORUM AGENDA
Day 1: Wednesday, 29th January 2025
08:00 – 09:00Registration
09:00 – 10:00Coffee and Tea Break
Opening Ceremony
10:00 – 10:10National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
10:10 – 10:20Welcome Remarks by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency
HON. MAI MALA BUNI CON, COMN
10:20 – 10:25Remarks by the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency PROF.
BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM CON, mni, FNSE, FNIAE
10:25 – 10:30Remarks by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency, RT.
HON. AHMADU UMARU FINTIRI CON
10:30 – 10:35Remarks by Outgoing Chairperson of the Governors’ Forum (Hadjer Lamis)
H.E ILDJIMA ABDRAMAN
10:35 – 10:40Remarks by representative of Co-Chairs of International Support Group, Director for Crisis Prevention and Stabilisation, Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany,
Ms Anka Feldhusen
10:40 – 10:45Remarks by Director of Transition States Coordination Office, African Development Bank,
Dr. Yero BALDEH
10:45 – 10:50Remarks by UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Regional Director for Africa, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa
10:50 – 10:55Remarks by Special Representative of United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel,
Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão
10:55 – 11:05Remarks by the Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission,
Amb. Adeoye Bankole
11:05 – 11:10Remarks by the Executive Secretary of LCBC and Head of Mission of MNJTF,
Amb. Mamman Nuhu
11:10 – 11:20Address and Official Opening of the Forum by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
11:20 – 11.40Family Photo
11:40 – 12:00Media Engagement
12:00 – 13:30Lunch Break
TimeSessionConvener
13:30 – 14:30Session 1: Current security and humanitarian trends in the region and the implications for ongoing peace and development efforts in the Lake Chad Basin Region.

Moderator: AUC

Presentation by the Force Commander of the MNJTF

Presentation of Humanitarian Situation and Trends by the Representative from the United Nations System

Discussion
LCBC (MNJTF)/UN System
14:30 – 16:00Session 2: The Future of the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS-SRR): Adjusted strategy, implementation tools and funding mechanisms

Moderator: TBD
Moderated Panel Discussion
Discussion
LCBC / ISG
16:00 – 17:00Launch of SMDF/NFFLCBC/UNDP
17:00 – 18:00Session 3: Opportunities and challenges for revising and accelerating implementation of Territorial Action Plans (TAPs), and the role of partnerships and collaboration in resource mobilisation for TAPs and RS-SRR implementation

Moderator: TBD
Moderated Panel Discussion
Discussion with Audience
AFDB/UNDP
18:00 - 18:30 Coffee Break
Day 2: Thursday, 30th of January 2025
09.00 – 09.15Summary of day 1, focusing on key messagesYobe State Governors Office
09.15 – 10.45Session 4: Ensuring food security through building climate resilience of food systems in the Lake Chad Basin Region


Moderator: TBD
Moderated Panel Discussion
Discussion with Audience
LCBC/FAO
10:45 – 11:15Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:45Session 5: Managing exits from Boko Haram, demobilization of government affiliated armed groups, and their contribution to social cohesion and transitional justice.

Moderator: TBD
Moderated Panel Discussion
Discussion with Audience
LCBC/UNDP/IOM/UNODC
12:45 – 14:00Lunch
14:00 – 15:00Governors’ deliberations (closed door)

Parallel Sessions
1) Launch of
CBRR and
Transitional
Justice
Framework
15:00 – 16:30Session 6: Challenges and opportunities for adopting durable solutions for IDPs and refugees in the Lake Chad Basin Region

Moderator: TBD
Moderated Panel Discussion
Discussion with Audience
UNHCR/OCHA/IOM
16:30 – 18:00Session 7: Cross-border trade for sustainable socio-economic recovery and regional cooperation in Lake Chad Basin region

Moderator: TBD
Moderated Panel Discussion
Discussion with Audience
World Bank/MCRP PROLAC
18:00 – 18:30Coffee Break
19:00 – 21:30Gala dinner and reception hosted by the Yobe State Government at the Government House Maiduguri, by invitation
Day 3: Friday, 31st of January 2025
09:00 -09:15Summary of day 2, focusing on key messagesYobe State Governors Office
09:15 –10:15Session 8: Leveraging Civil Society partnerships and collaborations in the implementation of the RS SRR

Moderator: TBD
Moderated Panel Discussion
Discussion with Audience
NORCAP/CSO Platform
10:15 – 10.45Coffee Break
10:45 – 12:15Session 9: Curbing illicit drug trafficking and drugs abuse to prevent violent extremism in the Lake Chad Region

Moderator: TBD
Moderated Panel Discussion
Discussion with Audience
UNODC/ISS
12:15 – 12:45Videos showcasing community voices and
stabilization impact
UNDP
12:45 – 14:00Lunch
14:00 – 15:00Preparation of final communiqué (closed door)
Parallel Sessions
Closing Ceremony
15:00 – 15:10Official handover of the Chair of the Governors Forum from Governor of Hadjer-Lamis Province to incoming Chair of the LCB Governors’ Forum
15:10 – 15:20Address and Presentation of the Governors’ Forum Communiqué by the incoming Chair of the LCB Governors' Forum
15:20 – 15:30Acceptance of host rights for the 6th edition of the LCB Governors’ Forum by the new host
Closing Remarks
15:35 – 15:40Remarks by Representative of Co-Chairs of the International Support Group, Development Director, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in Nigeria, British High Commission,
Ms Cynthia Rowe
15:40 – 15:45Remarks by Assistant Administrator and Director, Regional Bureau for Africa, United Nations Development Programme,
Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa
15:45 – 15:50Remarks by Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, AUC,
H.E. Amb. Adeoye Bankole
15:50 – 15:55Closing Remarks by the Executive Secretary of LCBC,
H.E Amb. Mamman Nuhu
15:55 – 16:00Official Closure of the Governors’ Forum by the Federal Government of Nigeria
END

Partners

The Governors

Hon. Mai Mala Buni | Governor of Yobe

Prof Babagana Umara Zulum | Governor of Borno

RT. Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri | Governor of Adamawa

Mijinyawa Bakari | Governor of Far North

Jean Abate Edi’i | Governor of North

Mme Ildjima ABDERAMANE |Governor of Hadjer Lamis

Sem Issa Lemine | Governor of Diffa

Mahamat Fadoul Mackaye | Governor of Lac

The Speakers

HE. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Amb. Mamman Nuhu

Executive Secretary - LCBC

Amb. Adeoye Bankole

Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission

Ahunna Eziakonwa

Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP Africa Bureau

Ms Elizabeth McGARVA

Representative of Co-Chairs of International Support Group, Lake Chad Basin Counsellor, UK High Commission in Nigeria