Introduction
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has raised concerns over the alarming shrinkage of the Lake Chad Basin, calling for urgent and sustained intervention. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Borno State, Ganduje emphasized the need for immediate action to address both the environmental and humanitarian crises affecting the region.
Environmental and Security Threats in the Lake Chad Basin
Once a vital water source for millions across West and Central Africa, Lake Chad has shrunk by over 90% in the past six decades, significantly impacting agriculture, fishing, and livelihoods. Ganduje highlighted that while security threats such as Boko Haram remain a major concern, restoring the lake is equally crucial for long-term regional stability.
Proposed Solutions to Restore Lake Chad
To combat the declining water levels, Ganduje called for renewed investment in the inter-basin water transfer project, which aims to redirect water from Cameroon’s Mbange River into Lake Chad. He also suggested exploring additional water sources, including Rivers Benue, Bongola, and Katuna, to boost water availability in the basin.
The Role of Stakeholders in Environmental Restoration
Ganduje commended the discussions held at the forum, which focused on peace-building, stabilization, and sustainable development. He urged stakeholders to remain committed to the vision of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), originally championed by figures like Nigeria’s Davao Baleo, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lake.
Call to Action
With millions relying on the lake for survival, Ganduje stressed the urgent need for international cooperation and funding to prevent further environmental degradation. He concluded the forum by expressing gratitude to the host state and all participants for their commitment to restoring one of Africa’s most endangered water bodies.
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