The Federal Government and the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) have called for faster implementation of development projects to improve livelihoods and strengthen water resources management across the basin.

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

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, NBA Executive Secretary, Kocou Houanye, urged member countries to complete ongoing projects, provide counterpart funding and strengthen regional cooperation.

He said climate adaptation, youth and women’s participation, and improved governance were critical to sustainable development, noting that more than 80 per cent of jobs in the basin were linked to water resources.

Mr Houanye said the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC/NB) had entered a critical phase, requiring faster delivery of outstanding infrastructure projects.

He urged the countries concerned to sign the Framework Agreement on the Common Basket Fund by November 15 and complete documentation to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) resources from November.

He said PIDACC/NB’s physical implementation rate rose from 37 per cent in June 2025 to nearly 50 per cent in June 2026, while its commitment rate increased from 49 per cent to nearly 60 per cent.

Mr Houanye attributed the progress to institutional reforms and improved programme management, urging member countries to prioritise implementation and maintenance in their 2027 work plans.

He said the NBA had adopted its Strategic and Operational Plans for 2026–2030 and revised its administrative, financial and procurement procedures to improve governance and efficiency.

He added that the authority was digitising its water and environmental information systems and working to operationalise the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Fund for the Niger Basin in early 2027.

Mr Houanye also pledged stronger partnerships with development finance institutions, the private sector and research organisations, as well as deeper cooperation with the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

Earlier, Mr Robert Umezulike, representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, commended the NBA, member countries and development partners for their contributions to the meetings.

Mr Umezulike said the engagements provided an opportunity to share experiences and address challenges affecting PIDACC/NB sub-projects and infrastructure delivery.

He urged participants to apply the recommendations, stressing that effective project implementation, regional cooperation and proper maintenance of completed infrastructure were essential to improving livelihoods across the basin.

The meetings focused on hydrodiplomacy, gender inclusion, water security, climate adaptation, infrastructure development and programme implementation.

 (NAN)