President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria will continue to provide support for the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, based in N’djamena, Chad Republic despite being at what he calls “the low ebb of resources caused by COVID-19 and fallen oil prices.
The President spoke on Friday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary, Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission, MNJTF.
President Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said despite the paucity of resources, the security of Nigeria and that of her neighbours must have pride of place, “so I will consult with all the relevant officials, and we will do our best.”
Ambassador Nuhu gave the President updates on the proposed recharge of Lake Chad, which he said was one of the priorities of Lake Chad Basin Commission, “and for which you have great passion,” informing that the governments of China and Italy were of great support, and positive action should commence soon.
He also commended countries that have contributed troops to MNJTF, adding, however, that the kinetic military approach alone would not eradicate insurgency, and emphasis must also be placed on the root causes, particularly poverty.
