Leadership Transition at the Lake Chad Basin Commission
Amb. Ibrahim Babani Assumes Office as Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of Mission, MNJTF
Ndjamena, 16 March 2026 The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) held a formal handover ceremony marking the transition of leadership to Amb. Ibrahim Babani, who has assumed office as Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Passalé Kanabé Marcellin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the LCBC, and was attended by representatives of Member States, senior officials LCBC and the MNJTF, partners, and staff.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers commended the outgoing Executive Secretary, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, for his dedicated service and for ensuring a smooth, orderly transition that safeguards institutional continuity. He welcomed Amb. Babani, expressing the collective confidence of Member States in his experience, leadership, and vision to advance the LCBC’s strategic priorities and deepen coordination with the MNJTF.
“This transition reflects our shared commitment to continuity, cooperation, and results. We appreciate Amb. Nuhu for his service and look forward to working with Amb. Babani to advance peace, security, and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin,”
PCM, Council of Ministers
Amb. Ibrahim Babani is a seasoned diplomat with dacades of distinguished service in international relations and diplomatic affairs. Since joining the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1997, he has served in various roles across Nigeria’s diplomatic and consular missions, including postings in Mali, Indonesia, and Malaysia. His extensive experience in bilateral and multilateral engagement, mediation, and development diplomacy positions him to lead the LCBC at a time when regional cooperation, climate resilience, and human security are paramount.
Upon assuming office, Amb. Babani expressed gratitude to the LCBC Member States for their confidence, to Amb. Mamman Nuhu for a seamless handover, and to all partners for their continued support:
“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by our Member States. I look forward to working closely with our regional and international partners to advance the LCBC’s core mandate particularly transboundary water resource management, livelihoods restoration, and regional stability while further strengthening MNJTF’s mission in fostering peace and security across the Lake Chad Basin.”
The Commission extends profound appreciation to Amb. Mamman Nuhu for his stewardship during his tenure as Executive Secretary and Head of Mission, MNJTF. Under his leadership, the LCBC consolidated coordination among Member States, strengthened cooperation with security and development partners, and reinforced the institutional foundation for integrated basin management. His dedication to mission, people, and process has left a durable legacy for the Commission and the MNJTF.
“Serving the peoples of the Lake Chad Basin has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am grateful to the Member States, our partners, and especially the LCBC staff for their unwavering commitment to our shared objectives,”
— Amb. Mamman Nuhu, outgoing Executive Secretary
Looking Ahead
Under Amb. Babani’s leadership, the LCBC will continue to drive evidence-based, inclusive, and results-oriented transboundary action across the Basin and strengthening of coordination mechanisms between the LCBC, MNJTF, member states and development partners.
The Commission reaffirms its commitment to regional cooperation, peace, and sustainable development ensuring that the Lake Chad Basin remains a region of shared prosperity, stability, and ecological integrity.
