Why recharge of Lake Chad is imperative — Buhari

President Buhari receives in audience Marshal of Chad, Idriss Deby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad in State House

—Holds bilateral talks with President Deby

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, at bilateral talks with the President of Chad, Marshal Idris Deby Itno, said that about 30 million people were adversely affected by a shrunken Lake Chad, which is now just about ten per cent of its original size.

President Itno was on a one-day official visit to Nigeria and the two leaders met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina quoted President Buhari as saying, “It is imperative that there be water transfer to the Lake Chad from the Congo Basin so that the people can resume their normal lives.”

He added that with inter-basin water transfer, farming, fishing, animal husbandry would resume, and curtail irregular migration of youths, who now dare the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, to get into Europe, seeking greener pastures.

“I’ve been engaging with the relevant stakeholders in Africa and beyond, on why we need to recharge Lake Chad. Nigeria will benefit more, but it is also advantageous to everyone,’’ President Buhari added.

He appreciated Chad for its role in curbing insurgency in the region, particularly the Boko Haram challenge.

“We appreciate what you are doing on security. When I first came to office in 2015, I came to see you, as well as leaders of other neighbouring countries, because it makes sense to be in the good books of our neighbours.”

President Buhari wished Marshal Itno well in the general elections coming up in his country in April.

The Chadian leader thanked President Buhari for receiving him, saying, “We are neighbours facing similar challenges.”

He added that he was also around to explore other bilateral issues, in addition to security.

On the recharge of Lake Chad, he counselled the Nigerian President to consider convening an international summit to move the idea forward.