ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS CONFRONTING NIGER RIVER AND ITS BASIN

ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS CONFRONTING NIGER RIVER (AND ITS BASIN) AS A RESOURCE Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba Professor of Environmental Science Department of Geography Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022 Keffi Nasarawa State, Nigeria E-mail: hkayuba@yahoo. com Phone: +234(0)8024523151 TH PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 8 AFRICAN ORGANIZATION OF SUPREME AUDIT INSTITUTIONS WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING (AFROSAI-WGEA) ANNUAL MEETING, WHICH HELD FROM 12 TH -16 TH SEPTEMBER, 2016 AT TRANSCOP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA, NIGERIA

PROTOCOL � The Ag. Auditor-General for the Federation (Mrs F N Anyanwu; FCNA, ACT); � Distinguished African Delegates from various Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) � Distinguished ladies and gentlemen � I thank the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Nigeria for inviting me to present this paper entitled: Environmental Risks/Threats confronting River Niger.

OUTLINE 1. Situating River Niger 2. The Niger River Basin 3. The Niger Basin Authority 4. Potentials of the Niger River Basin as a resource 5. Development challenges within the Niger River Basin 6. Major Environmental Risks 7. Towards sustainability of the Niger River Basin

1. SITUATING THE RIVER NIGER AND ITS BASIN-(Bakary Kone Wetlands International)

Exploration and Discovery � � � Most (if not all) of us have heard of River Niger due to its popularity The original name of the river “egerou n-igereou”, meaning the “river of rivers” by the Tuareg, expressing the exceptional character they attributed to it. Along its course, the Niger is known by several names: the Joliba (Malinke: “great river”) in its upper course; the Mayo Balleo and the Isa Eghirren in its central reach; and the Kwarra, Kworra, or Quorra in its lower stretch (Encyclopædia Britannica -Niger River, 2016). Documented knowledge on the discovery of river Niger is credited to Mongo Park since 1796 (Travels in the Interior of Africa, 1799). The Niger Republic, Nigeria and Niger State (Nigeria) got their names from the River Niger.

Source Length and Tributaries � Originates from the Guinea Highlands located in southeastern Guinea at Latitudes 9° 05′ N and 10° 47′ W flows into the Gulf of Guinea and eventually into the Atlantic Ocean � Source of Map: (Ogilvie et al 2010)

Source, Length and Tributaries. . 2 � � � The Niger River has an unusual routes of any of the major rivers in the world. This is because the river rises not far from the Atlantic Ocean, about 240 km, and instead of flowing to the nearby Atlantic Ocean, it takes a northeasterly course toward the Sahara Desert, before turning southeast to eventually discharge to the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria Source of map: (Bakary Kone International) Wetlands

Source, Length and Tributaries. . 3 � � � River Niger is about 4, 200 Km long (2597 Miles) The longest River in West Africa, and the 3 rd longest in Africa ((after the Nile and Congo Rivers) and 14 th longest in the world. Its major tributary is the Benue River. Other ones include the Sirba river, Tinkisso River, Milo River, Niandan River, Sankarani River, Bani River, Mekrou River, Sokoto River, Kaduna River, Forcados River, and the Nun River. � The Niger has an estimated watershed area of 1 125 000 km 2 � The mean annual flow is 6 100 m 3 s-1. � The Niger River is relatively clean and “clear” of sediments because its headwaters lie in ancient rocks that provide little silt.

2. THE NIGER RIVER BASIN � The Niger River basin covers 7. 5% of the African continent. � The total basin area is about 2. 2 million km², � approx. 1. 5 million km² represents the hydrologically active part of the basin. � The northern section of the basin, extending across the Sahara desert into Algeria, is hydrologically inactive.

THE NIGER RIVER BASIN. . 2 � The Niger Basin is shared by nine countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. Table 1). If you add the hydrologically inactive part, It will be 10 including Algeria

Table 1. Niger Basin and areas shared by different countries-Marquette (2008) in Ogilvie et al 2010 Country Area (KM 2) Proportion of basin within country Proportion of country within basin Benin 44, 967 3. 5 38. 7 Burkina Faso 86, 919 6. 8 31. 5 Cameroon 86, 381 6. 8 18. 4 Côte d’Ivoire 23, 550 1. 9 7. 3 Guinea 98, 095 7. 7 39. 9 Mali 263, 168 20. 7 20. 9 Niger 87, 846 6. 9 7. 4 Nigeria 562, 372 44. 2 61. 5 Chad 19, 516 1. 5 TOTAL Active basin 1, 272, 814 100

THE NIGER RIVER BASIN. . 3 � Mean annual precipitation levels range from 250 mm (Timbuktu) to 4, 100 mm in the delta area � Along its course the Niger traverses virtually all the ecological zones of West Africa (from Sahel to the Mangrove Swamps) � The population of the basin is about 100 million people, � The population is 64% rural � Agriculture represents a large part of the Niger Basin GDP, with crops making up 25– 35%, livestock 10– 15%, and fishery 1– 4% of the GDP.

4. THE NIGER BASIN AUTHORITY The Niger Basin Authority (1980), successor of the Niger River Commission (1964), was established to � Foster, promote and co-ordinate studies and programs relating to the Niger River basin. � Promote co-operation among the member countries � Ensure integrated development of its resources, notably in the fields of energy, water resources, agriculture, forestry, exploitation, transport and communication, industry. � Institutional framework was set up, consisting of: - the Summit of Heads and Government for policy making; - the Council of Ministers; - the Technical Committee of Experts; - the Executive Secretariat responsible for implementing decisions of higher bodies. �

5. POTENTIALS OF NIGER RIVER BASIN AS A RESOURCE �A resource is anything that can satisfy the needs of civilization. � The Niger River and its basin shape a corridor of productivity that has, for thousands of years, provided people with dynamic and rich livelihoods, and has made human survival possible even in times of severe droughts. � The Niger River Basin system has great potentials for: � Agricultural development, � Fishery development � Ecotourism development � Transportation and Infrastructural development � Energy development amongst others.

-Biodiversity Potentials � � The Niger River system has a remarkable biological communities The Inner Niger Delta for in stance is one of the largest Ramsar sites in the world and is considered to be a biodiversity hotspot. It accommodates two of the largest known breeding colonies of herons and cormorants in Africa. In addition, this delta supports up to 3 -4 million waterbirds, both residents and migrants from all over Europe and adjacent Asia.

Irrigation potential and Water requirements � There is a vast land potential for irrigation. � The irrigation potential for the Niger River Basin is estimated at 2, 816 510 ha, of which 924, 610 ha (33%) are already under irrigation � Table below

Irrigation potential and Water requirements Country with Irrigation an area potential within the Niger basin Gross irrigation water requirement per ha total Actual flows Flows after deduction for irrigation and losses inflow outflow Area already under irrigation (ha) (m 3/ha. year) (km 3/yr) (km 3/yr) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) 185000 23500 4. 35 0. 00 40. 40 0. 00 36. 05 6000 Cote d'Ivoire 50000 23500 1. 18 0. 00 5. 00 0. 00 3. 83 0 Mali 40000 22. 24 45. 40 29. 20 39. 88 6. 96 187500 Burkina Faso 5000 7000 0. 04 0. 00 1. 40 0. 00 1. 37 850 Benin 100000 18500 1. 85 0. 00 3. 10 0. 00 1. 25 740 Niger 222000 37000 8. 21 33. 70 36. 30 9. 58 3. 96 67520 Cameroon 20000 18500 0. 37 0. 00 13. 50 0. 00 13. 13 2000 Nigeria 1678510 10000 16. 79 49. 80 177. 00 17. 09 rest to sea 670000 Guinea Sum countries 556000 of 2, 816, 510 Total for 2, 816 510 Niger basin 55. 02 924, 610

Arable land livestock potential � There are over 2. 5 million ha of arable land in the Niger Basin with 85% of the cultivated area dependent on rainfed farming. However, only 20% are exploited. � About 50 million herders of the basin maintain 138 million livestock units (Diop et al. 2009)

Fishery Potential � The Niger River harbours 36 families and nearly 250 species of freshwater fish, of which 20 are found nowhere else on Earth. � 11 of the 18 families of freshwater fish that are endemic to Africa are represented in the Niger River (WWF 1986).

Navigation and trading potential � The Niger River is an important waterway both for navigation associated with active trading (in Mali from Koulikoro to the Niger bend and in Nigeria on the lower Niger River) � Boats are the most popular means of transport

Ecotourism Potential The Niger Basin has several reserves and large natural parks where ecotourism, hunting and sightseeing tourism could be developed: EG the Upper Niger National Park, Waza Park and Kainji National Park. � The Niger Basin has a unique natural and cultural heritage that could be put to use to complete other development activities �

Minerals, Oil and hydroelectricity Potentials The basin countries have important mineral resources, including gold, bauxite and uranium. � Nigeria is the region’s largest oil and gas producer, with 3% of the world reserves, mostly in the Niger Delta (CEDEAO 2007). � Installed hydroelectric capacity is 6185 GWh, less than 21% of the basin’s potential. �

6. Some Development Challenges �A lot of developmental activities are already threatening the rich tapestry of the Niger River basin ecosystem. � These include: � Dam construction/Watergrab � Deforestation, agricultural expansion and sedimentation � Wetlands degradation and biodiversity loss � Conservation challenges � Management challenges � Poor infrastructural development � Environmental pollution

Dam construction � � � The Niger Basin has 27 major dams and over 5000 small dams Four dams have been built on the main river or its tributaries. These are Kainji, (1962 -68) Selengue (1980), Lagdo (1982) and Markala (1943) All these structures have had an impact on the natural dynamics of the river downstream of the dams and on fish abundance and diversity Habitat alterations through construction of Dams are also threatening the rich tapestry of the Niger River ecosystem. These dams reduce flows into the Inner Delta and affect livelihoods of a million herders, fishermen communities and traditional rice growers as well as the wetland ecosystems

Water grab by the two dams during high flood and weak flood Yearly discharge Markala dam (irrigation) Sélingué dam (electricity) weak (500 m 3/s) 16% 14% high (2500 m 3/2) 3% 3%

Dependence on Agriculture � � � A large proportion of the national economies in the Niger Basin depends on agriculture and cattlebreeding. (Climate sensitive sectors) The vulnerability is further increased by the fact that most of the agriculture is rain-fed The dependence on agriculture became visible after a massive drought in 1984, when the GDP of Mali and Niger fell by 9 and 18 percent, respectively.

Deforestation and sedimentation � � � Much of the basin’s forested areas have been lost. Deforestation, particularly of upper catchment areas, has led to increased runoff. Increased runoff often transports solid particles, leading to increased sedimentation in the watercourses Sedimentation leads to the deterioration of many habitats important to numerous species Sedimentation is also a problem in many areas where crops are cultivated right to the river’s edge leading to the increased sediment loads. Sedimentation is a primary threat to Fish and Molluscs.

Wetlands degradation and biodiversity loss � � Water was regarded for a long time as an inexhaustible resource but the recent drastic reduction of floodplains and the drying out of some sections of the River Niger (Niamey in June 1985) has raised concerns about the sustainability of the River Niger Shrinking of the natural wetlands is leading to biodiversity loss especially decrease in species diversity, including fish and migratory birds.

Insufficient Transport and sanitation Infrastructure � The Niger Basin suffers from a huge deficit in transport infrastructure, which undermines economic growth and regional integration. Infrastructure including water and sanitation systems are poorly developed.

General Environmental Pollution � � � In Nigeria, people inhabiting the Niger Delta have suffered extensive environmental pollution and the crisis is still on going. Chief among the pollutants is oil. Oil and gas-related development activities have led to general environmental degradation. Nigeria is widely believed to flare more gas than the rest of the oilproducing world put together. The continued release of industrial and urban effluent into river courses represents an increasing threat. Nigeria is currently implementing the UNEP Report to clean up Ogoni Land

Conservation and Management challenges � � � The vision for the Niger River is that it would be a lifeline for development in a climatically uncertain region secured through cooperative and efficient water resources management. The management would capitalize on the valued ecosystem services provided by the river and the knowledge and experience of its people, and where water resources benefit the wellbeing of the societies of all basin countries. However: To date, the basin’s system of inland waters is still poorly delineated, inventoried, and lacks effective planning or management. The underground resources are poorly understood at a river basin scale and seem to be little used. The hydroelectric production potential is under-utilized; Sectoral planning, management and decision making within the nexus of water, food and energy security, has typically proceeded without considering the health and sustainability of the river ecosystem or incorporated ecosystem needs.

7. Environmental Risks in the Niger Basin � � � A combination of natural and anthropogenic factors are posing serious risks and threatening the Niger River Basin’s ability to supply crucially needed natural resources to the people of West Africa. The sustainability of the Niger River Basin will depend on how these risks and or challeges are addressed: These include Climate variability and change. Drought and desertification Flood risks Invasive species Human population explosion and Urbanization Poverty and illiteracy Health risks (disease, Ebola, HIV/AIDS etc) Terrorism, War and Violence Risk of increased Hydropolitics

Climate Variability and Change Much of the Niger Basin is in a region of low rainfall, with high natural variability in rainfall and stream flows. � This affects land water resources and the livelihoods on which people depend � The factors include: � The geographical location of some of the countries in the sahel � Drought and desertification � Declining Rainfall � Their dependence on the Niger River as lifeline (a climate sensitive sector) � Low adaptive capacity The basin has experienced strong climate change and climate variability in the past The Niger, , dried up completely for several weeks in 1985 at Malanville in the Benin Republic � � Seasonal and annual changes in rainfall and runoff have forced people to adapt to different climatic conditions at all times A Sahel more hot : + 2 -7 C for the coming 80 years A Sahel more dry : decline 0 to 40 % of rain

Drought and Desertification � � � The region has high vulnerability to climatic risks and had been affected by severe droughts between 1963 – 1973, 1982– 1985, and 1990– 1991. During these periods, Niger Basin member nations including Mali and Niger experienced wide spread starvation. Each drought period amplified desertification, and unsustainable farming practices that led to overgrazing, soil erosion and deforestation

FLOOD RISKS � � � Because of climatic variations the annual river flood does not occur at the same time in different parts of the basin. In the upper Niger the high-water discharge occurs in June, and the lowwater season is in December. In the middle Niger, a first high-water discharge—the white flood (so called because of the light sediment content of the water)—occurs soon after the rainy season between July and October; a second rise—the black flood (so called because of the greater sediment content)— begins in December with the arrival of floodwaters from upstream. May and June are the low-water months in the middle stretch. 2016 NIHSA FLOOD WARNING ON THE NIGER RIVER

Invasive Species � Currently the invasive plant is present in more than 60 percent of the river course. � Water hyacinth is modifying the water ecosystem by depletion of inorganic nutrients essential for primary production.

Risk of Population Explosion and Urbanization � � � Population of the basin was estimated at about 100 million in 2005 (CIESIN/CIAT 2005), of which 71% live in Nigeria. Demographers estimate that the population of the basin will double by 2050. This could jeopardize current and future development Rapid population growth and urbanization cause increased pressure on water resources.

Poverty � There an estimated 138 million poor in the basin countries, most of whom are rural � Four of the countries in the river basin are classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by the United Nations, (Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger). � The proportion of people living below the poverty line (US$1. 25 per day) is high throughout the basin and is especially acute in Burkina Faso (70. 3%), Guinea (70. 1%) and Niger (65. 9%) (World Bank 2009). � Increased poverty will reduce the countries’ adaptive capacity (i. e. ability to cope with climatic threats).

Health Risks � � � � In the Niger Basin, health is at a very low level, even compared to average health levels in Africa The main characteristics of the health situation in the basin are poor coverage, poor access to basic social services and poor social indicators. Infant mortality is very high in the Niger basin (154 to 262 deaths out of 1000 births, compared to under 20 in Europe, for example). Maternal mortality is also very high in the Niger basin (ranging from 690 deaths in Côte d'Ivoire to 1 600 deaths in Niger for every 100 000 births, compared to under 50 in Europe, for example). The prevalence of HIV among people aged 15 to 49 (the workforce) constitutes a major threat to sustainable development efforts in the basin Water-related diseases (malaria and diarrhoea are the most widespread and cause the highest mortality rates in the Basin) are estimated to account for over 80% of the illnesses

Risk of increased hydropolitics � � � � One of the most difficult challenges concern the management of large-scale resources that depend on international cooperation, Transboundary water resources use, shaped by hydropolitics (politics of water), tie up the states sharing a river basin into a web of interdependence from which no one can extricate itself The unilateral pursuit of hydro projects without coordination and consent of neighbors created grave environmental impacts, in some instances. Other serious concerns with regional implications in the management of the River Niger center on the transboundary flow of toxic effluents emptied from upstream industrial sites and human settlements on the tributaries of the Upper Niger without treatment. The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) has been trying to define a shared vision for the sustainable use of the river. Future water development in the basin is likely to generate political tensions as the basin nations compete for control of an increasingly important resource. If the unilateral pursuit of hydro projects and issues of toxic effluents continue, they could pose serious risk to the sustainability of the basin resources

Ethno-linguistic diversity: Blessing or Curse? � The ethno-linguistic diversity in the basin is one of the richest in the world with over 400 vernacular languages and five official languages (Clanet 1994). � Cultural diversity can decrease the likelihood of finding shared interests and understandings. � The problem of cultural diversity is exacerbated by colonial history between anglophone and francophone countries within the basin � The sheer number restricts the circulation and dissemination of information and innovations. � Internal political tensions and violence undermine governments’ development efforts(Jacob 2005).

Terrorism, War and Violence � � � Some of the Niger Basin countries have experienced one of the more turbulent years in history with widespread protests, unrest, civil wars, and insurgencies. Most troublingly, many conflicts currently taking place, like Boko Haram’s insurgency is intensifying and spreading to surrounding states, increasing the risk of negative outcomes. Pix. Boko Haram Weaponry, Via Heather Murdoch/VOA

8. Towards the sustainability of the Niger River and its Basin GLOBAL AGENDA (SDGS): Three Goals in the SDGs must be given priority attention in the Niger River Basin to ensure sustainable use of the Niger river and its resources. � GOAL 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all � GOAL 13: Take action to combat climate change and its impacts � GOAL 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Strategic Action Programme (SAP) &Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP) � � � Recognizing the urgent need to address the risks and challenges in the Niger Basin beyond the boundaries of specific national interests, The Niger Basin countries have developed two strategic programmes: The Strategic Action Programme (SAP) with GEF support and the Sustainable Development Action Plan for the Niger Basin (SDAP) for the Niger River Basin with the support of the World Bank. Whereas the GEF Project’s Strategic Action Programme (SAP) focuses on managing the Basin’s environment, the SDAP deal with the broader issues of multi-sector sustainable development in the Basin, with a broader objective is to develop and implement sustainable measures for reversing trends in land water degradation through a collaborative decision-making process in the Niger River Basin. Both the SAP and the SDAP are steps in the right direction and should be managed as complementary processes. Efforts must be made to ensure full implementation of the programmes.

Top Priority Concerns and potential actions required for the sustainability of the NRB � � � The top priority concerns and potential actions required for the sustainability of the Niger River Basin include (i) Conservation of the basin's ecosystems and restoration of degraded sites, (ii)Development of socio-economic infrastructure, (iii)Capacity building and stakeholders involvement. (iv) Research and Geospatial Monitoring of Environmental quality /Health in the Basin (v)Promotion and Strengthening of adaptation measures (vi) Awareness raising and Environmental Education (vii) Strengthen regional cooperation through the Niger Basin Authority (viii) Ensure the implementation of regulatory frameworks (ix Strengthen the implementation of the Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP) developed for the Niger Basin These priority concerns and actions are all intricately linked to all SDGs.

Conservation of the basin's ecosystems � The environmental, economic, and social security of much of West Africa depends largely on the sustainable and equitable management of the Niger River and related resources. � Restoring natural flow regimes in the river, and associated sediment dynamics, could go a long way towards relieving the pressures on the Niger’s ecology without exacerbating regional tensions over control of water, fish, and related resources. � With a regional strategy for sustainable use and development of the Niger River and related resources, this vital and productive ecosystem can continue to support the need to feed, clothe, and shelter the growing population of West Africa, whilst conserving its exceptional natural values

Activities that can contribute to this objective include: � � � Identification of adapted solutions, case by case for securing water resources in a complex environment Restoration of Habitat. Restoration of the Niger River ecosystem should start in the river basin with management practices that increase vegetative cover and reduce soil erosion. The restoration of floodplain wetlands and bourgou pastures are invaluable elements in optimising the river’s productivity. Adaptation of Economic Activities to the Natural Rhythms of the River. Intensified human use of the Niger River floodplain is vulnerable to regional cycles of flood and drought. Much can be learned from traditional resource use patterns that provided resilience through diversity. Awareness of the river’s rich natural value. Crucial to other practical measures will be building awareness among diverse communities – including decision-makers – of the range of natural functions and values of the Niger River. Projects for Reversing Degradation in the Niger River Basin

Development of socio-economic infrastructure through: Improvement of the existing infrastructure to improve the water use efficiency (irrigation), � Equitable, sustainable development of irrigation: � Minimizing negative impacts of infrastructure on the environment, especially on wetlands (deltas) and on health, etc. � Construction and/or rehabilitation of water storage facilities � Optimization of hydroelectric production in the whole basin � Increasing navigable periods on the river. � Construction and rehabilitation of water quality treatment facilities �

Capacity building and stakeholder involvement through: � Training and capacity building for stakeholders on sustainable management of the resources � Development and enforcement of cooperation mechanisms (eg water charter) � Set-up of conflict prevention and management procedure through Equitable, participatory and transparent forms of governance � Consult local communities about plans for dams Compensate local communities in case of reduced water flows

Trans-boundary Research and Monitoring of Water and Basin Health Given that the Niger River is not fully contained within the borders of a single � � � � nation, and the dearth of hydrological information, research on, and riverine ecosystem health monitoring is essential for survival. This includes establishment and operation of a transboundary monitoring system concerning discharge, precipitation, runoff and water quality. Establishment of early warning system Development of a technical mechanism for monitoring and anticipation of the water resources in the Niger Basin Development and diffussion of technical tools for flood, such as the flood Predicting tool A good monitoring system provides the basis for a sustainable flood control and risk management strategy. Monitoring the basin health is essential as the Niger Basin nations move towards a multinational watershed management as a conduit for sustainability

Strengthening Adaptive Capacity Given the uncertainties of future climate impacts, it is recommended to rely on no-regret measures, i. e. measures which are justifiable even in the complete absence of climate change and variability. These include: � Measures to reducing flooding risks in the river system (dredging of sediments, channelization of rivers) � Measures to reduce impact of drought and desertification (promotion of sustainable land management practices) � Diversification of livelihood strategies � Formation of local adaptation Association to reduce risks (Pastoralists, Fishermen, farmers etc) � Building resilience and supporting the ability of the population to adapt �

Keep Economic Activities in Sync with Nature � Extreme anthropogenic utilization of the river flood plain in the area of agriculture and hydropower is susceptible to regional phases of flood and drought. Much can be gained in both nations by adopting indigenous resource use models that encourage speedy recovery from ecological problems by keeping economic activities and development projects in sync with the carrying capacity of the basin’s ecosystem. Essential, to keeping economic activities in sync with nature will be by educating diverse communities including decision makers about natural functions performed by the Niger River.

Spatial Planning � In areas which are threatened by flooding, damage could be avoided by an adequate land use policy. � Besides the restriction of land use and settlements in flood risk zones, this includes a strategic vegetation management, for instance through reforestation. � Improved spatial planning could also have a positive impact on water quality � Strengthen concerted political decision taking at the Niger basin level

Water Demand Management Through: � Increased irrigation efficiency, � Reconstruction of drainage systems, � Reuse of treated drainage water � Introduction of water saving technologies � Introduction of water saving measures (through improved metering and pricing principles)

Awareness Raising � Sensitizing communities on each Countries NAPAs and National Communications � Communities affected by flooding, drought or water quality problems can be assisted through: � Measures to improve preparedness and self protection. � Dissemination of knowledge through media and education.

Strengthen Regional Cooperation � With trans-boundary activities in the River basin partly contributing to environmental decline in the region, the nations of the basin should continue working towards the adoption of viable regional framework built on cooperation. This will help to quicken trans-boundary monitoring of the ecological threats and the speedy recovery of the Niger River ecosystem.

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