Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has called for the revitalization of the Sambisa Forest, which has been ravaged by the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency. The forest, located in southeastern Borno State, has served as a stronghold for the terrorists since the insurgency’s peak. Governor Zulum made this appeal during a Nigerian delegation visit to the United Nations High-Level Segment Roundtable in New York, led by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawan, and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.
The Boko Haram insurgency has had a devastating impact on Borno State, causing widespread displacement, infrastructure destruction, and loss of livelihoods, Governor Zulum stated. “The conflict has also exacerbated environmental degradation, including deforestation and biodiversity loss in Sambisa Forest, further vulnerability to climate change.”
The governor lamented the consequences of forest loss, including soil erosion, reduced water availability, biodiversity loss, and increased vulnerability to climate change impacts. He noted that the shrinking of Lake Chad, a vital water source and livelihood for millions in the region, is a direct result of climate change caused by forest destruction, including Sambisa.
Governor Zulum identified population growth, agricultural expansion, unsustainable land use, energy needs, and conflict as drivers of deforestation in Borno State. To restore the devastated forest, he proposed initiatives such as rehabilitation and restoration, community engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration and partnership.
By reviving Sambisa Forest, Governor Zulum aims to mitigate the effects of climate change, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the livelihoods of communities in the region.
