The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, (Middle) today, December 10, 2024, received the Chairman of the House Committee on the Lake Chad Basin, Engr. Ayanyo Onwuegbu, (4th L). He is flanked by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah ( 3rd R) along with other members of the Committee
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has reaffirmed its dedication to addressing transboundary water management challenges, announced plans to inaugurate the Parliamentary Council for the Lake Chad Basin Commission, aimed at enhancing regional collaboration and governance.
This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman and members of the House Committee on the Lake Chad Basin to his office on Tuesday in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev highlighted Nigeria’s leading role in the Lake Chad Basin Commission, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Parliamentary Council in addressing shared water resource challenges among member countries.
“The Lake Chad Basin Commission is crucial to the stability and development of the West African subregion,” the Minister stated. “Its responsibilities extend beyond water management to fostering regional cooperation, ensuring sustainable livelihoods, and mitigating the impacts of climate change across member states. Strengthening the Commission’s governance framework through effective legislation, as mandated by the Parliamentary Council, is vital to achieving these objectives.”
The Minister called for sustained collaboration with the House of Representatives, led by the Honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, stressing the importance of a unified approach to tackling the challenges confronting the Lake Chad Basin and ensuring sustainable development in the region.
In his response, the Chairman of the House Committee on the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, FNSE, reiterated the Committee’s critical role in shaping policies to support the Commission.
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He praised Nigeria’s leadership in combating desertification and addressing other ecological challenges affecting the Lake Chad region.
Engr. Onwuegbu also expressed concern over delays in inaugurating the Parliamentary Council, emphasizing its necessity in enhancing Nigeria’s performance and meeting its commitments to the Commission. “The inauguration of the Council is essential for strengthening institutional frameworks and driving collective efforts to revitalize the Lake Chad Basin,” he stated.
Both leaders stressed the urgency of addressing environmental and developmental challenges in the region and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its leadership role in the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
