Around 100,000 Nigerians who were forced to leave their homes in the Northeast due to terrorism in the past seven years have returned to Nigeria from Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, shared this information with State House correspondents after a private discussion with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Zulum stated that he talked about restarting the process of bringing back Nigerians from the neighboring countries and revealed that the President has given the go-ahead for the immediate establishment of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza.
He clarified, “We discussed the repatriation of Nigerians living in the Republic of Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. We began the repatriation during the last administration, but we had to stop due to the election period and rainy season.
“Once again, Mr. President has assured me that the Government of Nigeria will resume the repatriation process. Up to now, in the past six to seven years, no fewer than 100,000 people have been repatriated.
“This is the official count; the actual number may be higher. However, there are still some people living in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. I need to consult with the National Commission for Refugees as well as NEMA and other organizations before coming up with a figure.
“But what's most important is that we have begun the repatriation. This administration is committed to ensuring that all our refugees in neighboring countries are brought back before the end of this administration, God willing.”
Regarding the Federal College of Education in Gwoza, Zulum mentioned President Tinubu’s approval for the gradual start of six universities on October 18, 2023, following the Federal Executive Council meeting on that day.
The Buhari administration had sanctioned the establishment of at least 75 universities, including federal, state, and private institutions.
However, the Federal Government did not have the money and qualified staff to kickstart all institutions at the same time as they are expensive, the Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, revealed at that time.
But Zulum said, “I wrote to Mr. President about the necessity of starting the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, a few months ago.
“I am delighted to inform you that the President has given approval for the immediate start of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza.
“This is something that is very important and very special to everyone in Borno State.”
The governor also mentioned plans to revive two dormant irrigation projects in the state— South Chad Irrigation Project and the Yauri Irrigation Scheme—stating that he suggested the creation of a strong security force around the South Chad Basin area.
“Also, we talked about the Lake Chad Basin. Now that we are experiencing some peace in Borno State, it is important for the government to ensure the re-establishment of the South Chad Irrigation Project.
The South Chad Irrigation Project has great potential to produce food for the needs of the entire northern Nigeria, or even the entire country. However, due to insecurity in the region, the irrigation scheme has not been functioning well for over a decade. I spoke with Mr. President and he will consider the possibility of establishing a strong security force in the Lake Chad Basin so that people can access the farmland.
The speaker mentioned the importance of resuming the Yauri Irrigation Scheme in northern Borno state. He believes it will help improve food security in terms of both quantity and quality. If these two irrigation projects are restarted, he thinks it will address the issue of food security in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole.
