The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) and Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) recently convened a three-day regional conference in Abuja to discuss hydrodiplomacy, gender, and strategic investments for peace, stability, and shared prosperity in transboundary basins. The conference brought together member states, development partners, and stakeholders to strengthen dialogue, prevent conflicts over natural resources, and promote sustainable development. The NBA and LCBC emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address the interconnected ecological, socio-economic, and security challenges facing the Niger and Lake Chad basins.
According to NBA Executive Secretary, Mr. Kocou Houanye, the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting the basins. Houanye noted that millions of people depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods, making stronger cooperation and investment essential to building resilience. He called for accelerated investment in strategic infrastructure, agriculture, and other development areas, which could contribute to peace, stability, and shared prosperity across the basins.
The NBA is making progress in implementing the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC). Houanye reported that physical implementation has risen from 37 to 48.3 percent, while financial implementation has increased from 17 to 57 percent, and commitments have risen from 49 to 92 percent. Nigeria's support has contributed to this progress, and discussions are underway with development partners to prepare a new phase with wider participation by NBA member states.
German Cooperation representative, Mrs. Hanna Albrecht, emphasized the need for coordinated responses to address climate change, pressure on natural resources, insecurity, and threats to livelihoods. She stressed that technical knowledge, institutional dialogue, and community participation must work together to achieve sustainable development. Albrecht expressed support for the proposed Abuja Declaration as a framework for concrete follow-up actions.
LCBC Executive Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, highlighted the commission's efforts to strengthen tools for assessing water demand, mapping crop water requirements, and improving groundwater management. Babani emphasized the importance of involving women and young people in water diplomacy as decision-makers, peace mediators, innovators, and development partners. The LCBC will advance the conference outcomes ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Nigeria's representative, Mrs. Angela Keyede, noted that the conference offered an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation on water management, climate resilience, peace, and security. She emphasized the need to integrate gender considerations into transboundary water governance and investment planning. The NBA and LCBC are reviewing gender policy and strategic frameworks to promote greater inclusion of women and vulnerable groups in water governance and development programmes.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, reiterated Nigeria's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the NBA, LCBC, ECOWAS, development partners, and civil society to promote sustainable water resources management, climate resilience, and regional development. Utsev urged participants to translate conference discussions into concrete actions, partnerships, and investments in water supply, sanitation, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and critical infrastructure.
Key points
- The Niger Basin Authority and Lake Chad Basin Commission are calling for stronger regional cooperation and strategic investments to address shared water, climate, security, and livelihood challenges.
- The conference in Abuja aimed to strengthen dialogue, prevent conflicts over natural resources, and promote sustainable development in the Niger and Lake Chad basins.
- The NBA and LCBC emphasized the need for accelerated investment in strategic infrastructure, agriculture, and other development areas to build resilience and achieve peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
