All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje urged immediate action to address the shrinking Lake Chad Basin on Friday.
Mr. Ganduje made the call during the closing ceremony of the week-long 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting in Maiduguri on Friday.
The former Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) Executive Secretary emphasized the need for renewed attention to the environmental crisis facing the basin and its inhabitants.
Mr. Ganduje reminded attendees of the original vision of the LCBC’s founders—Davao Baleo (Nigeria), Ahmed Ahijo (Cameroon), Amani Diori (Niger), and Tamba Lubai (Chad)—who sought to revitalize the shrinking lake through inter-basin water transfer.
He emphasized that while security and peacebuilding were essential, recharging the lake was equally crucial.
He urged continued advocacy and investment in the inter-basin water transfer project, specifically the proposed transfer from the Mbange River in Cameroon.
He acknowledged the significant funding challenges the initiative has faced but stressed its continued importance for the future of the region’s environment.
“While we focus on the security threats posed by Boko Haram and other groups, we must not forget the importance of recharging Lake Chad,” Mr Ganduje said.
In addition, he proposed investigating alternative water sources for the basin, such as diverting water from Nigeria’s Benue, Bongola, and Katuna rivers as part of a comprehensive solution.
The chairman expressed gratitude to the host and all collaborators for their contributions, particularly in discussions related to stabilization, peacebuilding, and sustainable development within the Lake Chad Basin region.
Mr. Ganduje thanked all development partners, especially the UNDP and the governments of Germany, the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands, for their financial support of the regional stabilization strategy.
He then declared the conference closed, with delegates departing with a renewed sense of urgency regarding the security and environmental challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin.
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