The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation to tackle environmental and security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the remarks during the 71st session of the Council of Ministers of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), held from March 3 to 6 in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad.
A statement on Friday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, said Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the LCBC as a vital platform for environmental sustainability, food security, peace, and economic stability, noting that the lake serves as a lifeline for more than 40 million people across member states.
The minister acknowledged that security in the region remains a major concern and commended the continued efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force and cooperation among member states in combating terrorism and violent extremism. She also highlighted the alarming shrinkage of Lake Chad due to climate change, calling for scientifically grounded solutions to revitalise the lake and sustain the livelihoods of millions who depend on it.
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu further conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government, and people to member states for endorsing Nigeria’s candidate, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, as the new Executive Secretary of the Commission for a four-year term. She described Babani as a seasoned diplomat with expertise in water resources management, security, and regional cooperation.
The Nigerian delegation to the meeting included the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Umobong, among others.