Governor Zulum’s Swift Agricultural Recovery Plan: A Lifeline For Borno’s Food Security

Governor Zulum’s Swift Agricultural Recovery Plan: A Lifeline for Borno’s Food Security

By Aliyu Mohammed Tong, Maiduguri

The devastating September 10th flood, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, exposed the vulnerability of Maiduguri’s agricultural zones. With the city’s natural drainage system sloping toward Lake Chad, the floodwaters moved from the southeast to northeast axis of the metropolis, wiping out nearly all farmlands along its path. This catastrophe struck at a critical period—when most cultivated crops had reached 80% maturity and were approaching harvest. The loss was massive and posed a significant threat to food security in Borno State.

Yet, in the face of this looming crisis, the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum stood tall. In what can only be described as a model of proactive governance, the Borno State Government, with strong support from the Federal Government, responded immediately with a strategic irrigation farming initiative. Hectares of land across the state were identified and rapidly prepared for dry-season cultivation, aiming not only to recover the losses but to stabilize food production in the short term.

Today, the results of that bold intervention are beginning to emerge. Fields once submerged by floodwaters are now green with life, as harvesting has commenced on various sites. This has not only mitigated the impact of the flood but has also restored hope to thousands of farming communities. It is a practical demonstration of how responsive leadership, backed by solid coordination and vision, can turn adversity into opportunity.

Governor Zulum’s action-oriented approach continues to position Borno as a state determined to rise above its challenges. The support from the Federal Government also reinforces the importance of collaboration in addressing emergencies with lasting solutions.

More importantly, this initiative is already contributing to food availability, helping reduce the pressure on markets and food aid, and preventing what could have become a deeper hunger crisis. It is a clear reminder that food security is achievable when leadership is responsive, data-driven, and committed to the welfare of its people.

As part of sustaining this success and deepening its impact, it is important that the harvested yields be made accessible to the general population—especially vulnerable households—through structured local cooperatives and farmer unions. This approach will not only ensure fair pricing and equitable distribution but also strengthen local economic systems and empower grassroots market actors.

As the state continues to recover, the agricultural transformation team and the Ministry of Agriculture deserve recognition for their hands-on commitment in aligning with the governor’s vision. Their collective effort serves as a benchmark for rapid disaster recovery and long-term planning in the agricultural sector.