Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has reiterated commitment to sustainable management of water resources in the Niger Basin.
Professor Utsev who stated this at a regional stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, stressed that Niger Basin and the Iullemeden-Taoudéni/Tanezrouft aquifer systems, NB-ITTAS, project was a vital step towards sustainable use of water, land, and forest resources.
Represented by Director of Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Services at the ministry, Mr Adeyinka Adenopo, the Minister explained that the project supports the Niger Basin Authorities, NBA’s, Sustainable Development Action Plan and the development of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Plan for the shared aquifer system.
“The project addresses major environmental challenges including climate change, land degradation, and pollution from agriculture, industry, and urbanisation.
“It has also helped to improve community livelihoods and boost ecosystem resilience through a range of activities, although performance has varied across participating locations.
“In Nigeria, the project is currently active in the Ayele-Iggah and Akpanaja communities in Nasarawa State”.
Utsev underscored the project’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, especially its target on integrated water resources management through transboundary cooperation.
Professor urged all stakeholders to remain fully committed to regional collaboration and knowledge exchange to ensure lasting benefits for the Basin’s people and ecosystems.
On his part, the acting Executive Secretary of the NBA, Mr Zinsou Didier, emphasised the importance of consolidating the project’s gains through stronger grassroots engagement and sustained institutional support.
Mr. Didier who was represented by NBA Technical Director,
Mr Adamou Ibro noted that while considerable progress has been made, many achievements remain to be consolidated or finalised.
The acting Executive Secretary of the NBA called for stronger community ownership of its environmental interventions to ensure lasting impact, as its flagship NB-ITTAS project approaches completion.
He said the initiatives addressed key issues, including habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management.
Speaking at the event, the NBA’s National Focal Structure Coordinator, Angela Kayode described the NB-ITTAS project as a vital source of relief for the millions who depend on the Basin’s resources.
She noted the importance of the workshop in providing a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging lessons learned, and building on the project’s achievements.
Kayode recalled that the NBA received a grant from the Global Environment Facility to support the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) aimed at enhancing ecosystem resilience and community wellbeing.
The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) is responsible for promoting transboundary water cooperation and sustainable development across its nine member states.
It works to balance environmental protection with the socioeconomic needs of communities within the Basin, Launched in 2019, to improve the management and conservation of natural resources across the Niger Basin and the Iullemeden-Taoudéni/Tanezrouft aquifer systems.
These vital water bodies span nine countries in West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Guinea, Cameroon, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Côte d’Ivoire.
By Georgina Humphrey
