Nigeria and Neighbouring Countries Collaborate to Restore Groundwater in Niger Basin

Nigeria and other member states of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) are working together to restore groundwater levels in the Sokoto Rima Basin and other shared aquifers. This regional effort aims to address water scarcity, support agriculture, and build climate resilience across West and Central Africa .

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) is leading the initiative in collaboration with the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS). Their joint project, the International Transboundary Aquifer System (ITAS), has already achieved significant progress in recharging groundwater in northwestern Nigeria. According to NiHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed, the project is 80–90% complete, and groundwater levels are showing moderate improvement .

The project focuses on reversing the environmental and climate-related factors that caused the Sokoto River to change course, leading to a sharp decline in groundwater levels. This forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands. By restoring the river to its natural course, the project aims to ensure consistent groundwater recharge, which is critical for irrigation and drinking water .

The Niger Basin Authority, which includes nine member countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria), is also implementing the Niger Basin–Iullemeden-Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems (NB-ITTAS) project. This initiative addresses broader challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and pollution from agriculture, industry, and urbanisation .

The NB-ITTAS project has supported 17 community-based pilot projects, including training local communities in climate resilience, aquaculture, and pollution control. In Nigeria, activities are concentrated in the Ayele-Iggah and Akpanaja communities in Nasarawa State . The project also established regional and national platforms to promote coordinated management of shared ecosystems .

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Currency fluctuations, rising costs of materials, and weak enforcement of environmental policies threaten sustainability. Additionally, pollution from agricultural and industrial activities continues to degrade water quality . To address these issues, the NBA emphasises the need for stronger community ownership and institutional support .

The projects align with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and represent a significant step toward achieving water security for over 160 million people who depend on the Niger Basin’s resources . As the initiatives near completion, stakeholders are focused on documenting best practices and scaling up successful interventions to ensure long-term benefits .