The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Niger Basin Authority, NBA, have jointly called for accelerated implementation of regional water and development projects across the Niger Basin, with emphasis on securing dependable funding and intensifying efforts to tackle the impact of climate change.
The call was made at the end of a series of regional meetings convened by the Authority in Abuja, which ran from September 28 to October 9, 2025, and drew participants from the nine member countries of the NBA, development partners and technical experts.
The meetings, which focused on the sustainable management of shared water resources and the development of the Niger Basin, provided a platform for member states to review progress made so far, identify challenges and chart a new course for faster execution of ongoing and planned projects.
Speaking at the closing session, the Executive Secretary of the Niger Basin Authority, Mr. Kocou Armand Houanye, charged member countries to demonstrate greater commitment to the completion of ongoing projects within the basin.
Houanye stressed that timely completion of projects would not only enhance water security and economic development but also improve the living conditions of millions of people who depend on the River Niger and its tributaries for their livelihoods.
He urged member states to honour their financial obligations by providing the counterpart funds they have pledged, noting that inadequate funding has remained a major bottleneck to the effective implementation of several regional initiatives.
According to him, without reliable and sustainable funding, many of the laudable projects conceived for the benefit of the people of the basin will continue to suffer delays, thereby undermining the objectives for which the Authority was established.
The Executive Secretary also underscored the need for improved and coordinated management of shared water resources, stressing that water remains the lifeblood of the region’s economy and ecosystem.
He pointed out that the Niger Basin is facing increasing pressure due to population growth, rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation and climate change, which have combined to threaten the availability and quality of water.
Houanye emphasised that investment in the water sector is crucial for the future of the region, particularly for young people, noting that more than 80 percent of jobs in the basin are directly or indirectly linked to water resources.
He explained that agriculture, fisheries, livestock, hydropower, navigation and other key economic activities that provide employment and sustenance for the teeming population are all dependent on the availability of water.
He therefore argued that any investment in water infrastructure and management is invariably an investment in job creation, food security, poverty reduction and economic empowerment of youths and women in the region.
The NBA boss also called for urgent and faster implementation of the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin, popularly known as PIDACC/NB.
He noted that the PIDACC/NB programme was designed to strengthen the resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate change, while promoting integrated water resources management and sustainable development.
Houanye expressed concern that several infrastructure projects under the programme that have been approved and awaiting implementation have continued to experience delays due to funding and administrative challenges.
He called on member countries and development partners to expedite action on the execution of those projects, stressing that the impacts of climate change are already being felt across the basin, with increased flooding, droughts and desertification.
According to him, the timely execution of the PIDACC/NB projects would help in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, restoring degraded lands and improving water availability for various uses.
He also stressed the need for stronger political will and regional cooperation, noting that the Niger River is a shared resource that requires collective responsibility and joint action for its sustainable management.
The Federal Government, in its remarks through representatives at the meeting, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Niger Basin Authority and assured of its continued support for regional water projects.
Government noted that Nigeria, as a major stakeholder in the basin, recognises the strategic importance of the Niger River to national development and to the socio-economic well-being of the entire West African sub-region.
It added that Nigeria will continue to play its leading role in mobilising resources and fostering collaboration among member countries to ensure the successful implementation of projects.
Participants at the meetings also deliberated on issues relating to climate change adaptation, environmental protection, capacity building and institutional strengthening of the NBA to enable it to deliver on its mandate.
They agreed that addressing the challenges facing the basin requires a multi-faceted approach that combines adequate funding, technical expertise, community participation and effective policy frameworks.
At the end of the meetings, stakeholders resolved to intensify efforts towards mobilising both domestic and external funds, improving project implementation mechanisms and strengthening measures to address climate change and its impact on water resources in the Niger Basin.
