The United Nations has commended Nigeria and Cameroon for their commitments toward implementing the International Court of Justice ruling on their border dispute.

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Simão, said this while speaking at the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

Mr Simão, therefore, described the development as a significant step toward promoting regional peace and cooperation.

He said, “I commend both countries for their commitment to a peaceful resolution, which has been pivotal in fostering stability in the Lake Chad region.’’

Mr Simão also said that the peaceful implementation of the ICI’s ruling had further contributed to regional stability and facilitated efforts to support affected populations, promote sustainable development, and enhance social cohesion.

He praised the role of the Lake Chad Basin member states and governors in fostering cross-border collaboration to achieve lasting peace and economic recovery.

“I acknowledge the efforts invested by the governors and member states over the years to foster inclusiveness and collaboration across borders in the quest for sustainable peace and development in the Lake Chad area. While efforts to combat terrorism have begun yielding positive results, new challenges have emerged, demanding sustained and focused attention from all stakeholders,” Mr Simão said.

He, however, called on Lake Chad Basin countries to fully take ownership of the Adjusted Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience designed to guide future interventions in the region.

He stated, “In this regard, I welcome the proposal to adjust the Territorial Action Plan as a key mechanism for advancing the regional strategy at national and local levels.’’

Mr Simão assured that the UN, through its resident coordinators and country teams would remain a key partner in ensuring a coordinated and sustainable approach to stabilisation.

“We must ensure that the implementation of the Territorial Stabilisation Strategy remains people-centric at all levels,” he said.

Also speaking, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Regional Director for Africa, Anunna Eziakonwa, called for stronger regional cooperation.

Ms Eziakonwa expressed optimism that the region could address its challenges through stronger regional cooperation, inclusive governance, and increased investment in climate resilience.

“We are gathered here at a time when this region has witnessed the fury of nature,” she said.

The envoy also extended her condolences to the people of Borno State in Nigeria and the people of Marwa in Cameroon who were severely affected by recent devastating floods.

Ms Eziakonwa said that the floods serve as a stark reminder of the intensifying impact of climate change and the urgent need for collective action to build resilience and mitigate future risks.

The envoy lauded the progress made under the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience, noting that communities that were once engulfed in conflict were beginning to rebuild.

“Communities that were once in despair now dare to walk again. These strides represent not only our collective determination but also the extraordinary strength of the people and governments of the Lake Chad Basin,” Ms Eziakonwa said. 

Despite these achievements, the envoy warned that the region remained the centre of multiple crises, including protracted insecurity and forced displacement.

“Recent flooding in Borno State and northern Cameroon has pushed countless families into displacement, further stripping already vulnerable communities of their stability,” Eziakonwa said. 

The envoy also said that the humanitarian crisis in Chad was caused by conflicts in the neighbouring regions, adding that millions of displaced people had placed immense pressure on resources and stability in the Lake Chad Basin.

“These challenges are not just statistics; they are lived realities.

“The story of a courageous mother in Nigeria who risked everything to protect her daughters from violence is a reminder of the resilience of this region’s people, which must drive us to act with urgency and purpose,” Ms Eziakonwa said. 

The envoy called for a paradigm shift in how stabilisation efforts were approached, urging regional leaders to focus on inclusion, accountability, and sustainable solutions.

“Governance must be strengthened, youth and women must be empowered, and climate adaptation must be accelerated. By investing in people and communities, we lay the foundation for lasting peace and stability,” Ms Eziakonwa said.

(NAN)