More than 40 million people in the Lake Chad region will pose adverse migration and security challenges to the world, if there was no commitment from the international community on redirecting water to the lake, President Muhammadu Buhari Monday raised the alarm.
Buhari raised the alarm when he received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Philip Baker, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He stated that the tragedy of the shrinking Lake Chad would continue to fuel more illegal migrations, banditry and provide willing hands for terrorism since majority of the people have lost their means of livelihood.
According to him, “In 1920’s, an academic rightly predicted that except there’s a redirection of water to Lake Chad, it will dry up.
“Now, whenever I go for any global meeting or visit a country, I will always draw the world’s attention to the adverse effect of climate change on the lake, and the resulting negative effects.”
President Buhari urged the Canadian government to support the on-going efforts to divert water from the Congo River to the lake.
He said: “Canada has the capacity to help us. The lake is now less than ten per cent of its normal size. A redirection will help our people from getting into the Mediterranean Sea.”
The President said Nigeria and Canada have good relations dating back to the early 60’s when Nigeria gained independence, commending the country for “its vast resource utilisation and solid political background.’’
In his remarks, the Canadian High Commissioner commended President Buhari for providing leadership in the country, and championing the cause for the replenishing of the Lake Chad Basin, noting that the Canadian Governor General, Julie Payette, had presented a picture taken from space of the vanishing lake to the President when she visited recently.
Baker said more than 11, 000 Nigerians were studying in Canada, with many residing in the country, assuring the President that majority of the students will return to build and invest their knowledge in the development of Nigeria.
The Canadian High Commissioner said he would work towards improving relations between both countries on migration, education, entrepreneurship training, mining, renewable energy and Information Technology.
Also receiving Letters of Credence from the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Wendy Campbell Laing, Buhari said Nigeria remained grateful for the training support for the military in the North Eastern part of the country since it started fighting Boko Haram.
The President congratulated Campbell Laing on her posting to the country, pointing out that Nigeria appreciates its relations with the United Kingdom, and will continue to pursue mutual interest in trade and economic issues.
In her remarks, the British High Commissioner said the visits of the Prime Minister, Theresa May, and Prince of Wales, Charles Philip Arthur George, to Nigeria last year were to further consolidate relations, and look forward to Nigeria’s support after Brexit.
Campbell Laing said Britain will continue to support Nigerian troops in the North East and the people that were affected by the insurgency.
She assured President Buhari that more attention will be given to non-oil trade exchange and strengthening of political ties.
President Buhari, who also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Argentina to Nigeria, Maria Del Carmen Squeff, said the vast potentials in trade and agriculture for both countries could be further explored.
In her response, the Ambassador of Argentina noted that both countries must move beyond the level of signing agreements to ensuring that issues of trade, sports, investments and agriculture ggt practical follow up for mutual benefit.
Carmen Squeff said Argentina and Nigeria also have a lot to share on movie productions, sports, such as football and Polo, and festivals.
