Emmanuel OchayiPresident Bola Tinubu has called for international financial and technological assistance to revive Lake Chad, emphasizing Nigeria’s crucial role in Africa’s energy transition and urging advanced economies to honor their $100 billion annual climate financing pledge to developing nations.
Addressing the dire repercussions of Lake Chad’s depletion on the Sahel’s political and security landscape In an op-ed featured on CNN, Tinubu stressed the urgent need for collective action.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe stated, “The rapid loss of water resources and escalating desertification directly impact the Sahel crisis, fostering extremist and authoritarian elements.”
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Highlighting Africa’s minimal contribution to the global climate crisis yet bearing its severe consequences, The President pressed for immediate collaboration, stating, “We seek urgent international collaboration in both financing and technology toward the total recharge and recovery of this critical body of water.”
Expounding Nigeria’s efforts in combating climate change, Tinubu outlined initiatives such as tree-planting campaigns and the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan.
Notably, he emphasized leveraging global partnerships, citing engagements at the G20, EU’s Global Gateway program and the US Build Back Better World initiative as pivotal strategies for a sustainable green economy in Africa.
The gradual demise of Lake Chad, which has lost nearly 90% of its water since the 1960s, has impacted fishing, agriculture, and livestock across Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria, and Niger.
This decline has fueled regional insecurity, manifesting in conflicts over grazing routes and water sources among farmers and herders.
Tinubu’s impassioned plea for international support echoes a promise made during a campaign rally in Borno state, solidifying his commitment to recharging Lake Chad if elected.
With the President’s call for collaboration and Nigeria’s determined efforts, hope emerges for a revitalized Lake Chad amidst the looming climate crisis.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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