The Niger Basin Authority (NBA), through the NB-ITTAS Project, launched on Monday, March 17, 2025, in Abidjan, two regional workshops aimed at strengthening the technical and operational capacities of basin stakeholders. These training sessions, spanning two weeks, represent a key step in the sustainable management and preservation of the Niger River’s water resources.
A commitment to Basin Preservation
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the UNDP, these workshops focus on two critical areas:
✅ The development of pollutant discharge standards in the Niger Basin.
✅ Monitoring and evaluation of the structural and functional framework for implementing the NBA Investment Plan.
During his speech, Mr. Sèyivè Didier ZINSOU, Executive Secretary of the NBA, emphasized the importance of drafting regulations related to pollutant discharge standards. He pointed out that finalizing this process will enable NBA member countries to enforce the internationally recognized “polluter-pays” principle. This initiative will also significantly reduce water pollution in the Niger River, ensuring the safety of local communities and the conservation of the basin’s rich biodiversity.
Enhanced monitoring and evaluation for effective management
The second workshop, dedicated to monitoring and evaluating the Investment Plan, aligns with a continuous improvement strategy. NBA member states have adopted a shared vision for sustainable development through the Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP), which led to the establishment of the Investment Plan.
According to Mr. Sèyivè Didier ZINSOU, after several years of implementation, it is crucial to revise the monitoring and evaluation framework of both the SDAP and the Investment Plan. The goal is to propose and adopt performance-oriented tools, incorporating the principles of Results-Based Management (RBM).
A strong political will
Presiding over the opening ceremony, General Zouzou-Mailly, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Water and Forests of Côte d’Ivoire, expressed her satisfaction with these workshops. He highlighted the need to embrace new knowledge to improve the management of water resources in the Niger Basin:
Through these two workshops, the NB-ITTAS Project reaffirms its commitment to supporting Niger Basin stakeholders in implementing sustainable and efficient solutions for water resource management.
