Amid ongoing security and environmental challenges in the Lake Chad Basin, Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for unwavering attention to the threat of Boko Haram and the shrinking of Lake Chad—two crises that continue to shape the region’s stability.
Speaking in Maiduguri, the heart of Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, at the closing ceremony of the Fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum on Friday, Ganduje underscored the need for a multi-pronged approach to security and sustainability.
With leaders from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger in attendance, Ganduje reminded stakeholders that peace in the region is still fragile and that the fight against insurgency must remain a priority.
“While we focus on the security threats posed by Boko Haram and other groups, we must not forget the importance of recharging Lake Chad,” he said.
The forum, held from January 29 to 31, revolved around regional peacebuilding, cross-border cooperation, security, and sustainable development, all of which remain crucial for the millions of people who rely on Lake Chad for their livelihoods.
The Lake Chad Basin is not just a geographical feature; it is the lifeline of over 30 million people. Once one of Africa’s largest lakes, it has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s due to climate change, unsustainable water use, and desertification.
Ganduje, who once served as the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), recalled the vision of the organization’s founding leaders—Davao Baleo (Nigeria), Ahmed Ahijo (Cameroon), Amani Diori (Niger), and Tamba Lubai (Chad)—who championed a plan to revive the lake through inter-basin water transfer projects.
While military operations against insurgents continue, Ganduje emphasized that restoring Lake Chad could help reduce extremism by addressing poverty and resource competition, two factors that fuel radicalization.
He highlighted the proposed water transfer from Cameroon’s Mbange River, which experts believe could help replenish the lake and support local economies.
Ganduje also expressed gratitude to international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Germany, the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands, for their financial and technical support in implementing a regional stabilization strategy.
As leaders wrapped up discussions, the message was clear: Security and environmental restoration must go hand in hand.
For millions in the Lake Chad region, peace and survival depend not just on military victories but also on reviving the ecosystem that sustains them.