Ganduje Congratulates Governor Buni, Calls for Urgent Action on Lake Chad Restoration
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has congratulated Governor Mai Mala Buni (CON) on his emergence as the new Chairman of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum.
Speaking at the closing of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Ganduje emphasized the urgent need to address the shrinking Lake Chad Basin, which has significantly impacted livelihoods, security, and environmental stability in the region.
Reviving the Vision for Lake Chad
Ganduje reflected on the foresight of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) founders—Davao Baleo of Nigeria, Ahmed Ahijo of Cameroon, Amani Diori of Niger, and Tamba Lubai of Chad—who had championed the inter-basin water transfer initiative aimed at restoring the lake.
He urged immediate action, stating that security concerns, including the Boko Haram insurgency, should not overshadow the urgent need to restore the lake.
Advocating for Water Transfer Solutions
Ganduje called for a renewed commitment to the inter-basin water transfer project, proposing that stakeholders explore:
• Water transfer from the Mbange River in Cameroon
• Alternative sources such as Nigeria’s River Benue, River Bongola, and River Katuna
He stressed that revitalizing Lake Chad is crucial to the long-term stability and economic resilience of communities in the region.
Appreciation for Development Partners
Ganduje commended international partners, including:
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Governments of Germany, the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands
for their financial and technical support in implementing the regional stabilization strategy.
Call for Immediate Action
Recognizing the interconnected nature of security and environmental challenges, Ganduje urged leaders and delegates to act swiftly in addressing the Lake Chad crisis.
“We must not allow security threats to overshadow the urgent need to restore Lake Chad. Investing in environmental restoration is just as crucial as our peace-building and stabilization efforts,” he stated.
He concluded by calling for greater urgency and collective action, before declaring the conference officially closed.
This renewed commitment marks a pivotal step in ensuring that Lake Chad remains a sustainable source of livelihood, peace, and prosperity for millions across the region.
