The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has called for improved implementation of development projects under the Niger Basin Authority to enhance the livelihoods of communities across the region.
The Minister made the call at the closing of a ten-day regional meeting organised by the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Abuja, which brought together representatives of nine member countries, development partners and other stakeholders.
Represented by Mr. Umezulike Robert, the Minister said the meetings provided an opportunity to share experiences, identify challenges and develop solutions to improve project implementation.
He expressed confidence that the recommendations from the meetings would strengthen project delivery and improve the performance of development programmes across the Niger Basin.
Utsev urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their respective countries, stressing that regional cooperation and effective implementation were essential to achieving the shared development goals.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Niger Basin Authority, NBA, Mr Kocou Houanye, called for accelerated implementation of ongoing projects, completion of water infrastructure and adequate funding to improve the lives of more than 200 million people across the Basin.
Mr. Houanye identified climate change adaptation, water security, youth and women’s participation, and regional cooperation as important areas requiring sustained attention.
He noted that more than 80 per cent of jobs in the region are linked to water resources, calling for investments that would create economic opportunities and strengthen community resilience.
The Executive Secretary said the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin had recorded progress, with its physical implementation rate rising from 37 per cent in June 2025 to nearly 50 per cent in June 2026.
He also urged member countries to release counterpart funds, accelerate outstanding projects and sign the Framework Agreement on the Common Basket Fund by November 15, 2026.
Houanye highlighted institutional reforms, improved programme management and the adoption of the NBA Strategic and Operational Plans for 2026–2030 as measures to strengthen the Authority’s performance.
He added that the NBA was working with development partners to improve sustainable financing, strengthen regional cooperation and establish a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Fund by early 2027.
