Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu has said climate change and other challenges have put the means of livelihood of 130 million people living within the Niger Basin at risk.
He said this at the technical experts meeting of the 36th ordinary session of the councils of ministers of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA), in Abuja, yesterday.
The NBA is an intergovernmental organization in West Africa aimed at fostering co-operation in managing and developing the resources of the basin of the River Niger.
It is made up of nine-member countries which include Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Guinea, and Cote d’Ivoire.
He said: “You are all aware that the Niger Basin area is rich in its diversity and its population of more than 130 million inhabitants. However, this wealth is facing many challenges.”
The minister said member countries must commit finances to the development of the basin.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Musa Ibrahim, the minister identified delay in payment of funds by member countries as one of the challenges confronting the institution.
The minister said: “In fact, we cannot talk about the development of the Niger Basin and her regional institution unless we make available the financial resources needed in a timely manner for the work required.
“The repeated delays in the payment of member countries’ contributions have been identified as one of the major constraint in the operation of our institution.
“We must encourage the technical and financial partners by ensuring that adequate funding is made available for the operations of the institution. The well-being of the people depends on it.”
The Coordinator, NBA National Focal Structure Nigeria, Paul Adalikwu, said the River Niger is of great importance not only to Nigeria but to other member countries that depended on the resources for their livelihood.
Dr. Adalikwu, while commending the contributions of the Federal Government to support trans-boundary activities, said this signifies the highest priority the county places on cooperation and coexistence.
He said it was saddening that for the first time since 1985, the river Niger completely dried up in Niamey, Niger Republic due to climate change.
Dr. Adalikwu said: “It is on record that for the first time since 1985, the River Niger dried up completely in Niamey, Niger Republic due to climate change. The river reduced from two million Square kilometers to about 1.5 square Kilometers.
“As experts you are expected to deliberate on issues affecting the authority and make appropriate recommendations to the council of ministers for their consideration.”
Executive Secretary of the NBA, Dr. Abderahim Hamid, expressed worry over the continuous shrinkage of the River Niger, linking it to the impact of climate change.
He said promoting cooperation among member countries and contributing to improving the living conditions of the basin population through sustainable management of water resources was key to the development of the region.