Lake Chad: Commission urges members to fulfil financial commitments

Lake Chad Basin Commission has called on member countries to fulfil their financial commitments towards promoting livelihood in the region.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu made the call at the opening of the 68th Ordinary Session of the Lake Chad Basin Commission Council (LCBC) of Ministers in Abuja on Monday.

He noted that the commission was confronted with the challenges of restoring peace and stability and finding a sustainable solution to underdevelopment in the region.

The Executive Secretary said climate change and insecurity have had devastating effects on the livelihoods of over 30 million people, impacting the rich biodiversity of the basin.

In his words, “These factors, and the depressed socioeconomic condition of life in the region, have exacerbated the security challenges confronting us today.

“But for lack of funds, this would have been the right time for the commission to embark on massive non-kinetic interventions by way of quick impact projects and more durable development projects.

“As its contribution towards the eradication of the threat of Boko Haram in our sub-region, it is a truism that military efforts alone cannot solve the problem of insurgence.

“We have to address the root causes of the insurgency, which is what LCBC has been doing through its projects.’’

Read Also: ISWAP kingpin Ali Kwaya and others killed in air raid near Lake Chad

Nuhu said the commission’s partnership with the Multi-National Joint Task Force had recorded massive progress, expressing optimism about a brighter future.

While commending the LCBC financial and technical partners, he however pledged the commission’s commitment towards delivering a stable region with enhanced economic growth.

The Chairman of the LCBC Council of Ministers, Mr Suleiman Adamu, called on member states to seek out ways to address the root causes of insurgency in the basin.

He said regional leaders must not only provide guidance in addressing these transboundary securities but play their roles efficiently to sustainably develop the region.

“As such, we must commit appropriate resources and make a concerted effort to work together cooperatively toward the fulfilment of LCBC’s mandate and missions.

“Also, as member countries, we must support the LCBC Secretariat in its quest to implement programmes and projects dedicated to building resilience and advancing sustainable development.

“Unfortunately, the Commission has been facing a financial crisis due to the non-payment of financial contributions and arrears of contributions, in line with approved budgets,’’ he said

Adamu, who is also Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources, said the meeting was an opportunity to provide guidance and direction for addressing the commission’s common challenges.

Lake Chad: Commission urges members to fulfil financial commitments