The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) and key development partners, has convened a high-level regional workshop in Abuja to assess progress on the Niger Basin–Iullemeden-Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems (NB-ITTAS) project, which is approaching its final stages.
The five-day workshop, running from May 26 to 30, 2025, brings together stakeholders from the nine NBA member countries to strengthen transboundary water governance and promote climate-resilient solutions across the Basin.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation in water management.
Declaring the workshop open, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev—represented by the Ministry’s Director of Planning and Technical Support Services, Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo—described NB-ITTAS as a vital initiative tackling environmental threats such as climate change, land degradation, and pollution.
“The project supports the NBA’s Sustainable Development Action Plan and contributes to the formulation of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Plan for shared groundwater systems,” Prof. Utsev said.
He emphasized that NB-ITTAS has helped improve livelihoods and enhance ecosystem resilience in project areas, including Ayele-Iggah and Akpanaja communities in Nasarawa State, though outcomes vary across participating countries.
Prof. Utsev further highlighted the project’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6—Clean Water and Sanitation—particularly its emphasis on integrated water resources management (IWRM) and regional cooperation.
Also speaking at the event, Acting Executive Secretary of the NBA, Mr. Zinsou Didier—represented by Technical Director Mr. Adamou Ibro—expressed appreciation to the Government of Nigeria for hosting the workshop. He noted that the project has achieved key milestones, such as the implementation of 17 pilot projects, protection of aquatic ecosystems, sustainable forest management, and the creation of three regional and seven national platforms to support cross-border environmental governance.
Mr. Didier called for enhanced community ownership and institutional backing to sustain and build on current gains.
NBA Project Coordinator Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo, represented by Deputy Director of Planning Mrs. Angela Keyede, commended the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for funding the initiative. She noted that GEF’s support has enabled the deployment of IWRM strategies that enhance environmental resilience and socio-economic development across the Niger Basin.
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As the workshop progresses, participants will document lessons learned, evaluate project outcomes, and adopt resolutions aimed at scaling successful models and reinforcing regional collaboration for sustainable water resource management.
The NBA continues to promote equitable and sustainable use of water resources among its nine member states—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria—benefiting more than 160 million people who depend on the Basin for their livelihoods.
