By Our Reporter
November 30, 2015 – President Muhammadu Buhari today called on world leaders to forge a united front to save Lake Chad’s ecosystem from further depletion caused by the adverse effects of climate change.
Speaking at the Leaders Event of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly referred to as COP 21, in Paris, President Buhari said climate change has continued to pose a threat to Nigeria’s security and development.
“At the sub-regional level, we are saddled with the challenge of the drying up of the Lake Chad Basin, which is resulting in the total wipe out of livelihoods of many communities surrounding this transboundary natural resource.
“Regrettably, the world is leaving behind millions of people who depend on the Lake for their survival. The Government of Nigeria welcomes the Lake Chad Development and Climate Resilience Plan, and the Lake Chad Basin Commission and international partners for designing this climate-based Plan.
“In all, the experience of countries sharing the Lake Chad further illustrates the mutual challenge we face today and which must be collectively addressed without further delay”, he said.
On Nigeria’s position on the climate change negotiations, Buhari said any meaningful and potential agreement on climate change must draw extensively on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
The President, who shortly before his arrival approved Nigeria’s Intended National Determined Contributions (INDC) to tackle climate change , said for any agreement in Paris to be durable, it must recognize not only the emission right but also the survival rights of the citizens of developing countries.’
