The NBA Council of Ministers convened a virtual Extraordinary Session on Friday, November 7, 2025. This strategic meeting was prompted by the urgent need to boost NBA’s performance, strengthen regional integration and cooperation, and ensure the integrated, sustainable development of the Niger Basin.

In attendance were: Mr. José Didier TONATO, Minister of Energy, Water and Mines, Republic of Benin; Mr. Roger BARO, Minister of Environment, Water and Sanitation, Burkina Faso; Engr. Joseph UTSEV, Federal Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Federal Republic of Nigeria; as well as the duly authorized Representatives of Supervising Ministers, members of the Council of Ministers of the other six NBA member countries (Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Chad).

The opening address was delivered by the Minister of Environment, Water and Sanitation of Burkina Faso, Chairman of the NBA Council of Ministers. Commending the dedication of the nine Supervising Ministers, Mr. Roger BARO underscored that the Niger River, as a common heritage, requires concerted, sustainable, and inclusive management.
The NBA Executive Secretary, His Excellency, Kocou Armand HOAUNYE, NBA Executive Secretary, offered profound thanks to the Supervising Ministers, members of the Council of Ministers, Technical and Financial Partners, and the Technical Committee of Experts. He reaffirmed his commitment to working in accordance with the governing bodies’ guidelines and in close collaboration with all Niger Basin stakeholders.
The session concluded with the adoption of four (4) key resolutions, whose effective implementation will contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of the ongoing NBA revitalization process, championed by its highest authorities.

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers closed the proceedings by expressing gratitude to his counterparts, the Ministers of the NBA member countries and their respective delegations. He also acknowledged the commendable work of the NBA Executive Secretary since the start of his current mandate, as well as the entire Executive Secretariat staff. He concluded his remarks by extending a personal invitation to his colleagues for the next Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, scheduled from December 1 – 5, 2025 in Ouagadougou, BURKINA FASO.

Nine Countries, One Basin, One Vision!!!

Contact: NBA Executive Secrétariat