At a regional ministerial session in N’Djamena, Chad, the Federal Government emphasized the need for coordinated action to confront environmental degradation and insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted the critical role of the Commission in promoting peace, food security, environmental sustainability, and regional economic stability. She noted that the Lake Chad Basin supports more than 40 million people across member states, making cooperation essential for the well-being of the region.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged ongoing security challenges, commending the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the continued collaboration among member states in countering terrorism and violent extremism.
She also raised concerns over the alarming shrinkage of Lake Chad due to climate change, describing it as a pressing environmental issue. “We must adopt science-driven solutions to restore the lake and protect the livelihoods of millions who depend on it,” she said.
The minister further expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for member states endorsing Ambassador Ibrahim Babani as the new Executive Secretary of the Commission. She described Babani as a seasoned diplomat with expertise in water resources management, regional security, and international cooperation.
The session reaffirmed the importance of collective effort among member states to address both environmental and security threats in one of Africa’s most strategically significant regions.
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