LCBC Holds 70th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers

LCBC Holds 70th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers

Umar Abubakar

February 28, 2025

News & Articles

Niamey, Niger – February 27, 2025: The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) successfully concluded its 70th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in Niamey, Republic of Niger. The session, held on February 27, 2025, was preceded by a three-day preparatory meeting of the National Experts Committee.

The session was attended by honorable ministers from the six LCBC member countries: Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, and Libya. The ministers deliberated on and approved several key resolutions, including the Annual Activity Report for 2024 and the Annual Work Plan and Budget for 2025.
Key Resolutions Adopted:

1. Approval of the 2024 Activity Report and Budget Implementation:
   o The Council approved the 2024 Activity Report and the Budget Implementation presented by the Executive Secretary.
2. Financial Controller’s Report:
   o The Council adopted the Financial Controller’s report and directed the Executive Secretary to implement the recommendations.
3. 2025 Annual Work Programme and Budget:
   o The Council approved the 2025 Annual Work Programme and Budget, balanced at FCFA 16,803,094,000, with contributions from member states and technical and financial partners.
4. Inter-Basin Water Transfer Project (IBWTP):
   o The Council took note of the progress on the IBWTP and directed the Executive Secretariat to expedite the signing of the financing agreement with the African Development Bank (AFDB).
5. Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience (RS SRR):
   o The Council adopted the adjusted RS SRR and directed the Executive Secretariat to revise the Territorial Action Plans and develop a Regional Transitional Justice Policy.
6. Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration Policy:
   o The Council adopted the Regional Policy on Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration and directed the Executive Secretariat to promote its implementation and mobilize funding.
7. Vacant Positions:
   o The Council endorsed the increase of vacancies to 18 and directed the Executive Secretariat to finalize the recruitment process.
8. Lake Chad Basin Water Charter:
   o The Council took note of the brief on the Water Charter and urged the Executive Secretariat to facilitate its ratification by member states.
9. Next Session of the Council of Ministers:
   o The Council decided to hold the 71st Ordinary Session in Bangui, Central African Republic, at an agreed date.

The LCBC continues to play a pivotal role in managing the shared water resources of Lake Chad, preserving the ecosystem, and promoting regional integration, peace, and security. The approval of the Annual Work Plan and Budget for 2025 underscores the Commission’s commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation.