FG orders accelerated implementation of Niger Basin climate change programme

Federal Government has directed the accelerated implementation of the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin, PIDACC/NB, to ensure maximum benefits for targeted communities.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, gave the directive during a meeting with the National Project Coordinator of PIDACC, Baba Musa, and the Managing Directors of the four participating River Basin Development Authorities.

Utsev described PIDACC as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the resilience of ecosystems, natural resources and vulnerable populations to the effects of climate change within the Niger Basin.

“The programme is critical to national socio-economic development, hence the need for greater commitment and urgency in addressing implementation challenges”, he said.

According to him, the success of the programme should not be measured by the number of projects initiated or funds committed, but by the tangible improvements it brings to the lives of beneficiaries.

The Minister directed that all outstanding issues be identified and addressed without delay, while also calling for stronger monitoring and supervision mechanisms to ensure accountability, value for money and timely delivery of projects.

The acting Permanent Secretary, Ali Ibrahim Dallah, assured that the Ministry would work closely with the PIDACC National Project Coordinator and the Managing Directors of the four River Basin Authorities to address existing gaps and ensure the project is completed by next year.