Lake Chad’s Survival Key To Peace, Livelihoods In The Region – Bianca Ojukwu
For more than 40 million people across Central and West Africa, Lake Chad is not just water, it is survival. From farming and fishing to trade and food security, millions depend on the shrinking lake for their daily existence.
Nigeria has therefore reaffirmed its commitment to stronger regional cooperation to protect the Lake Chad Basin and promote stability in the region.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance at the 71st Session of the Council of Ministers of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), held in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad.
In remarks highlighted in a statement by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister described the Commission as a vital regional platform for environmental sustainability, food security, peace and collective economic stability.
She noted that the Lake Chad Basin remains a shared natural resource and a lifeline for over 40 million people across member states.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged that the security situation in the region remains a serious concern, commending the continued efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the sustained collaboration among member countries in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
She also raised concern over the impact of climate change on Lake Chad, describing the rapid shrinkage of the lake as one of the most pressing environmental challenges confronting the region.
According to her, urgent and scientifically grounded solutions are needed to revitalise the lake and sustain the livelihoods of communities that depend on it.
The minister also conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Government and people of Nigeria to member states for endorsing Nigeria’s candidate, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, as the new Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission for a four-year term.
She described Babani as a seasoned diplomat with strong expertise in water resources management, security and regional cooperation.
Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting included the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Emanso Umobong.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n
