In a significant stride toward fostering effective water resource management and transboundary cooperation, the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, inaugurated a comprehensive national workshop aimed at validating the Regional Action Plan (RAP) for the “Improving Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Knowledge-Based Management and Governance of the Niger Basin and Iullemeden Taoudeni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems” (NB-ITTAS) project. Organized in partnership with the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), the one-day workshop addressed crucial steps for sustainable water governance across regional water bodies that serve millions within Nigeria and neighboring countries.
The gathering united stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners, each invested in aligning the RAP with Nigeria’s water policies and addressing pressing challenges around water resource management. As the opening address set the tone for collaboration, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed highlighted the project’s role in addressing regional water security and underscored the importance of working together for effective solutions. "This workshop represents a significant step in our commitment to enhancing transboundary cooperation and developing effective strategies for water management that will benefit our communities and the environment," stated Mohammed.
Representing the Director General, Mrs. Awoibi Joe-Ukairo, NIHSA’s Deputy Director of Hydrogeophysics, extended gratitude to the Inter-Ministerial Committee members for their unwavering dedication and active participation, acknowledging their vital role in moving the project forward. Special recognition was given to Dr. Sauret Elie Serge, the project’s consultant, who meticulously prepared the report presented during the workshop. Additionally, online participants from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Tunisia, and six other riparian countries were applauded for their involvement and shared insights on regional needs and priorities.
Throughout the workshop, attendees engaged in constructive discussions aimed at refining the RAP, incorporating global best practices, and aligning with Nigeria's specific water management needs. The workshop's outcomes, including crucial data and stakeholder feedback, will form the foundation for a Strategic Action Plan (SAP), which will guide the policy design and implementation for the NB-ITTAS project. This SAP is expected to bolster water security, protect ecosystems, and support sustainable development for communities within the Niger Basin and surrounding aquifers.
Highlighting NIHSA’s commitment to addressing the complexities of regional water governance, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed reiterated that projects like NB-ITTAS are integral to Nigeria’s environmental sustainability goals. “Collaborative action across borders is essential for our shared water resources, and NIHSA remains dedicated to advancing knowledge-based, cooperative water management that addresses the realities and needs of our nation and our neighbors,” he emphasized.
As the workshop concluded, it was evident that the insights gathered would pave the way for more effective strategies and a strengthened framework for regional water resource management, underscoring the critical role of NIHSA and its partners in driving impactful environmental policies for the Niger Basin and beyond.
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