Nigerian Emerges LCBC Executive Secretary in Lake Chad, Reaffirm Commitments to Strengthen regional cooperation
By Fatima Saka
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the Lake Chad Basin as Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, commended member states for endorsing Nigeria’s candidate, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, as the new Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC).
Speaking at the 71st Session of the Council of Ministers of the LCBC in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad, Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation to member states for their support, describing the appointment as a demonstration of trust in Nigeria’s leadership within the regional body.
In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals of regional coexistence and cooperation.
She described the mandate of the LCBC as a crucial platform for promoting environmental sustainability, food security, peace and collective economic stability across the region.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Lake Chad Basin remains a lifeline for more than 40 million people across member states, stressing that its preservation is vital for livelihoods, regional stability and development.
She noted that security challenges in the region remain a major concern, but commended the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the sustained collaboration among member states in tackling terrorism and violent extremism.
The minister also raised concerns over the severe impact of climate change on Lake Chad, particularly the alarming shrinkage of the lake, which she described as one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the region.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for scientifically driven solutions aimed at revitalising the lake and protecting the livelihoods of millions who depend on it for agriculture, fishing and other economic activities.
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She described Babani as a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in water resources management, security and regional cooperation, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the commission’s mandate.
The Nigerian delegation to the meeting included the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, among other officials.
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