The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) have called for accelerated implementation of development projects, sustainable financing and stronger regional cooperation to improve the livelihoods of more than 200 million people living in the Niger Basin.

‎The call followed a series of regional meetings organised by the NBA in Abuja from September 28 to October 9, 2026. The meetings brought together representatives of the nine member countries, natural resource users, technical and financial partners, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable development and improved water resources management across the Basin.

‎Speaking at a press conference on October 9, the NBA Executive Secretary, Mr. Kocou Armand Houanye, urged member countries to fast-track ongoing projects, complete multipurpose water infrastructure and strengthen institutional governance.

He also highlighted the importance of climate change adaptation, hydrodiplomacy, and the participation of women and young people in promoting regional stability and sustainable development.

‎Houanye stressed the need to create economic opportunities for young people, noting that more than 80 per cent of jobs in the region are linked to water resources. He also called for increased investment to strengthen resilience, reduce vulnerability and improve livelihoods across the Basin.

On the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC/NB), the Executive Secretary said the programme had entered a decisive phase, urging member countries to complete outstanding infrastructure projects, release counterpart funds and expedite the processing of project requests.

He further called on the countries concerned to sign the Framework Agreement on the Common Basket Fund by November 15, 2026, and complete the documentation required to access available Global Environment Facility resources.

‎He disclosed that PIDACC/NB’s physical implementation rate rose from 37 per cent at the end of June 2025 to nearly 50 per cent by June 2026, while its commitment rate increased from 49 per cent to nearly 60 per cent over the same period.

Houanye attributed the progress to institutional reforms and improved programme management, adding that the 2027 work plans should prioritise faster implementation, infrastructure maintenance and the consolidation of achievements ahead of the programme’s closure.

‎The NBA Executive Secretary also highlighted institutional reforms, including the adoption of the Authority’s Strategic Plan and Operational Plan for 2026–2030, revised administrative, financial and procurement procedures, and efforts to improve staffing and operational efficiency. He said the Authority was modernising its water and environmental information systems and working towards operationalising the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Fund for the Niger Basin in early 2027.

He also reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to partnerships with the African Development Bank Group, the European Union, the World Bank Group, climate finance institutions, the private sector and research organisations, as well as stronger cooperation with the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

‎Earlier, Mr. Umezulike Robert A., speaking on behalf of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, commended the NBA leadership, member countries and development partners for their contributions to the meetings. He said the ten-day engagements provided an opportunity to share experiences, identify implementation challenges and develop practical solutions for delivering projects across member countries.

He urged participants to apply the lessons learnt and recommendations adopted, stressing that sustained regional cooperation, effective project delivery and proper maintenance of completed infrastructure were essential to achieving the NBA’s shared development objectives.