The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) and the federal government have called for the accelerated implementation of development projects in the Niger Basin, emphasizing that sustainable financing and stronger regional cooperation are crucial to enhancing the lives of over 200 million people in the region. This appeal follows a series of regional meetings held in Abuja from September 28 to October 9, 2026, which brought together representatives from the nine member countries, development partners, and other stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary of the NBA, Mr. Kocou Armand Houanye, addressed a press conference at the conclusion of the meetings, urging member countries to expedite ongoing projects, complete multipurpose water infrastructure, and strengthen institutional governance to ensure sustainable development across the basin. He highlighted the importance of hydrodiplomacy, climate change adaptation, youth and women’s participation, and improved management of transboundary water resources for regional stability and economic growth.
Houanye emphasized that over 80 percent of jobs in the region are linked to water resources, underscoring the need for investments that create economic opportunities for young people, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen community resilience. He noted that the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC/NB) is entering a decisive phase, requiring member countries to accelerate outstanding infrastructure projects and release counterpart funding.
The NBA executive secretary urged member countries to sign the Framework Agreement on the Common Basket Fund by November 15, 2026, and expedite documentation required to access available resources from the Global Environment Facility. This would facilitate access to these resources from November. He also disclosed that the programme’s physical implementation rate increased from 37 percent at the end of June 2025 to nearly 50 percent by the end of June 2026.
Similarly, the commitment rate for the programme rose from 49 percent to nearly 60 percent within the same period, attributed to institutional reforms and improved programme management. However, Houanye stressed the need to sustain this momentum, prioritizing faster project implementation, adequate maintenance arrangements, and the consolidation of existing achievements in the 2027 work plans.
The NBA executive secretary highlighted several institutional reforms, including the adoption of the Authority’s Strategic Plan and Operational Plan for 2026–2030, revised administrative, financial, and procurement procedures, and measures to improve staffing and operational efficiency. Efforts are also underway to modernize and digitize the Authority’s water and environmental information systems.
The NBA is working towards operationalizing the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Fund for the Niger Basin in early 2027 to provide more sustainable financing for its activities. Houanye reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with development partners and other stakeholders to support the sustainable development of the Niger Basin.
Key points
- The Niger Basin Authority urges member states to release funds and fast-track projects to improve livelihoods.
- The Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin has seen significant progress.
- Institutional reforms and improved programme management have contributed to the programme's success.
