TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says the greatest investment Europe and America can make in Africa now is helping the continent accomplish inter-basin water transfer to recharge the Lake Chad.

According to a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari said this while hosting Moussa Mahamat, chairman, African Union Commission, on Friday.

Buhari said the Lake Chad, which provides a means of livelihood to millions of people in four countries – Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria – has been reduced to 10 percent of its originate size.

He explained that the reduction, due to the impact of climate change, is one of the leading causes of irregular immigration.

In August 2016, Buhari called on rich countries to help save Lake Chad from extinction.

“People who depended on the Lake for fishing, farming, animal husbandry, and many others, have been thrown into dire straits,” Buhari said.

“That is one of the reasons youths now dare the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea, to seek greener pastures in Europe.

“But helping to recharge Lake Chad will help a great deal in curbing irregular migration. At all international fora, we emphasize the matter of Lake Chad. We also talk about the influx of small arms from the Sahel, which worsens the security situation between herders and stagnant farmers.

“We will keep the issues on the front burners.”

Mahamat, on his part, lauded Buhari, saying his leadership was good for Nigeria, AU and Africa in general.

He added that the next AU summit would look into the reform of the AU commission, positioning the AU and Africa in the world, single air transport market, the Africa continental free trade area, and other issues.

Mahamat said Nigeria, for its role played major roles towards peace in countries including Guinea Bissau, Togo, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, “is worthy of being followed”

“Nigeria is the engine of Africa politically, economically, and in the area of peace and security. Without her, Agenda 2063 cannot be accomplished,” Mahamat said.

“We depend on the elder to reach our destination in good shape. Nigeria is worthy of being followed. We rely on your wisdom to fulfill the task before us.”