The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Niger, Mama Keita, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting regional stabilisation and development efforts in the Lake Chad Basin.

The envoy made this known at the ongoing 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum on Thursday in Maiduguri, Borno State.

She said, “These plans are critical for achieving the objectives of the strategy, and their successful execution lies primarily in the hands of the governors. They are in the driving seat, and we are here to support them.’’

Ms Keita also commended the Difa Regional Government in Niger for its collaboration with the UN in tackling security challenges and improving the living conditions of displaced populations.

“Our priority is to restore dignity, improve livelihoods, and create favourable living conditions for displaced communities so that they can remain and rebuild their lives,” she said.

Ms Keita also spoke on the UN’s plans to restore essential services such as healthcare and education.

She stated, “The governor of Cameroon has already emphasised the importance of education. If we fail to invest in human capital today, we are setting the stage for future crises. To enhance food security and economic resilience, the UN is distributing seeds and agricultural inputs to farmers and pastoralists, helping them increase local food production and generate income. The goal is not only to meet local food needs but also to create surpluses for export, boosting economic growth.’’

Ms Keita stressed the need for an integrated and complementary approach among development partners to maximise impact.

“For example, if UNDP builds classrooms, UNICEF works with governments to deploy teachers, and WFP (PAM) provides school meals, this ensures that children can learn in the best possible conditions,” she said.

Ms Keita said that UN efforts in Niger’s Difa Region and across the Lake Chad Basin were conducted under the leadership of national governments.

“Peace, livelihoods, and resilience must go hand in hand. Only through tangible economic opportunities can we strengthen the social contract between citizens and their leaders, fostering a sense of belonging and national unity,” she said.

Ms Keita called on international partners to increase their support for security and development initiatives, saying progress in the Lake Chad Basin depended on sustained investment in both security and socio-economic growth.

(NAN)