Niger Basin: FG, NBA push for faster projects, funding

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Federal Government and the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) have called for faster implementation of development projects, improved funding and stronger regional cooperation to boost the livelihoods of over 200 million people across the Niger Basin.

The call followed a series of regional meetings organised by the NBA in Abuja from September 28 to October 9, 2026, involving representatives of nine member countries, development partners and other stakeholders.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the end of the meetings on Friday, Executive Secretary of the NBA, Mr. Kocou Armand Houanye, urged member countries to fast-track ongoing projects, complete multipurpose water infrastructure and strengthen institutional governance.

He identified hydrodiplomacy, climate change adaptation, youth and women’s participation, and the development of transboundary water infrastructure as critical to sustainable development and regional stability.

Houanye noted that more than 80 per cent of jobs across the region were connected to water resources, stressing the need for investments that would create economic opportunities, reduce youth vulnerability and improve livelihoods.

He described the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC/NB) as being at a decisive stage, urging member countries to complete outstanding infrastructure projects, release counterpart funds and accelerate the processing of project requests.

The NBA chief also urged the countries concerned to sign the Framework Agreement on the Common Basket Fund by November 15, 2026, and expedite documentation required to access resources from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with access expected to begin in November.

Providing an update on the programme, Houanye disclosed that its physical implementation rate rose from 37 per cent at the end of June 2025 to nearly 50 per cent by June 2026.

He added that the commitment rate increased from 49 per cent to almost 60 per cent within the same period.

According to him, the progress reflects ongoing institutional reforms and improvements in programme management.

He, however, stressed that the 2027 work plans must prioritise faster project delivery, adequate maintenance arrangements and the consolidation of achievements before the programme’s closure.

Houanye also highlighted institutional reforms, including the adoption of the NBA Strategic Plan and Operational Plan for 2026–2030, revised administrative, financial and procurement procedures, and measures to improve staffing and operational efficiency.

He said the Authority was modernising and digitalising its water and environmental information systems, while efforts were ongoing to operationalise the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Fund for the Niger Basin from early 2027.

The fund is expected to provide more sustainable financing for the Authority’s activities.

The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the African Development Bank Group, European Union, World Bank Group, climate finance institutions, the private sector and the research community.

He also emphasised the need to deepen cooperation with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to address shared regional development challenges.

Earlier, at the closing session of the workshop for National Coordinating Units, the NBA’s National Focal Structure and the Lake Chad Basin Commission’s Focal Point in Nigeria, Mr. Umezulike Robert A., who represented the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, commended the NBA leadership, member countries and development partners for their contributions to the meetings.

He said the ten-day engagements provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences, identify implementation challenges and develop practical solutions to improve the delivery of PIDACC/NB sub-projects and infrastructure across member countries.

Umezulike expressed confidence that the knowledge gained and recommendations adopted would translate into better project implementation, stronger institutional performance and improved living conditions for communities across the Basin.

He urged participants to apply the lessons learnt in their respective countries, stressing that sustained regional cooperation, effective project delivery and proper maintenance of completed infrastructure were essential to achieving the NBA’s development objectives

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