The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev has reiterated the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) during the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) of Niger Basin Projects and Programmes Session held on Tuesday, 14th November 2023.
Prof. Utsev highlighted President Tinubu’s strong support for NBA’s projects, emphasizing their crucial role in preserving natural resources and fostering economic and social development among member states.
Addressing the Regional Steering Committee, the Minister urged member countries to leverage the event to devise effective strategies for the implementation of NBA’s programs. He outlined three main session themes: projects and programs, validation of legal documents on Climate Change Adaptation Fund, and sensitization of policymakers on climate change products.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of technical and financial partners, Prof. Utsev expressed gratitude to the German Cooperation (GIZ & BGR), the Kingdom of Netherlands, World Bank, and the African Development Bank (AFDB) for their continuous support.
During the session, Mathias Dold, Head of Political Section at the German Embassy, announced a significant 20 million euros support to member countries of the Niger Basin Authority. The funding, slated for 2024, aims to enhance efficient water usage and adaptation to climate change within the region.
Mathias Dold emphasized the German government’s ongoing commitment, citing previous support of around 4 million euros. The new project, set to commence in 2024, will focus on better coordination within the Niger Basin countries to ensure responsible water usage and effective climate change adaptation.
The event also saw Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo, National Focal Structure (NFS), commend the Federal Government for its unwavering support for NBA’s projects and programs. He urged participants to fulfill the mandate of the NBA, emphasizing cooperative water resource management for the benefit of member states.
Attendees included the Executive Secretary of the Niger Basin Authority, Heads of Delegations of NBA Member Countries, Representatives of NBA Technical and Financial Partners, Coordinators of the NBA National Focal Structures (NBA/NFS), the Chairman of the Regional Coordinating Unit of users (RCU) of the Niger Basin’s natural resources, and Representatives of Users through their Regional Coordinating Units and certain National Coordinating Units, along with numerous eminent development partners.
Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Press and PR
Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation