UN officials assess Bama’s progress before Lake Chad Basin meeting
Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum preparations in Borno State.
UN evaluates humanitarian efforts in Bama, Nigeria
On January 28, 2025, a high-level United Nations delegation visited Bama in Borno State, Nigeria, ahead of the fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri.
The delegation included Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS); Abdou Abarry, SRSG for the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA); and Mohamed M. Fall, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria.
The officials observed significant progress in Bama, highlighting collaborative efforts by the Nigerian government, the UN, and partners to support internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Initiatives include providing humanitarian aid, livelihood support, and promoting social cohesion and reintegration through various socio-economic activities. However, challenges such as ongoing violence, climate-related threats, and insufficient basic services persist.
During their visit, the delegation toured several facilities:- A center managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that offers vocational training to young girls and boys.- A UNICEF-led social cohesion project at the Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS) camp.A nutrition center supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), providing treatment to malnourished children.
They also engaged with women and adolescent girls at a UNHCR/GISCOR Safe Space and met with representatives from humanitarian agencies in Bama. Additionally, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Umar Kyari Umar El-kanemi.
Reflecting on the visit, Mohamed Malick Fall stated, “A lot has changed since then, with marked improvement in the lives of people affected by the crisis. While there is still work to be done to address insecurity and its impact on civilians, I thank the Borno State authorities, donors, UN agencies and partners for their commitment and dedication through this journey that has made Bama what it is today. I also call for sustained support to address the remaining challenges.” Despite these advancements, Bama remains vulnerable to attacks by non-state armed groups due to its proximity to the Sambisa Forest.
This insecurity hampers livelihood activities such as farming, fishing, and firewood collection, increasing the community’s reliance on humanitarian assistance. Bama’s situation reflects the broader challenges faced by many communities throughout the Lake Chad Basin, which has been affected by 16 years of conflict.
