A first supervision mission of the NB-ITTAS project in Nigeria is being organized by the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), from March 23 to 27, 2025. This mission represents an important step in the implementation of this project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for a period of seven years (2018-2025).
The OSS delegation, composed of Mrs. Apolline Bambara, Project Management Officer in the Water Department, and Mrs. Lilia Benzid, Communications Expert, was received by His Excellency Eng. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water and Sanitation of Nigeria, accompanied by Mr. Umar Ibrahim Mohamed, Director General of the Nigeria Hydrogeological Services Agency (NIHSA). The meeting provided an opportunity to present the OSS and its scope of activity, as well as the Ministry's main missions. The OSS representatives informed the Minister of the upcoming Ministerial Conference on the Iullemeden Taoudéni Tanezrouft Aquifer System, due on April 10, 2025 in Nouakchott.
The OSS team worked closely with the national project coordinator, led by Mrs. Awoibi Joe Ukairo and placed under the Directorate General of the NIHSA. After a preparatory meeting with the Head of the national focal structure and her team, followed by a scoping session to define the priorities for this first phase of supervision, the works focused on the achievements compared with the defined objectives and reviewing the budgets, expenditures and financial commitments. These steps confirmed that the project is moving ahead in line with the expectations and available resources.
Furthermore, preparations have been made for the field visit to the Sokoto pilot site, located in the Wammakho watershed. This visit will help observe the impact of the interventions and gathering feedback from beneficiaries. It will allow for coordination of the efforts among local stakeholders and the development of recommendations to ensure the smooth implementation of planned activities. The mission also provides an opportunity to strengthen dialogue around sustainable water resources management in a context increasingly impacted by the effects of climate change.
The ITTAS project is based on an approach that improves knowledge, governance and sustainable management of transboundary water resources. Its pilot sites play a key role in identifying concrete solutions to preserve water quality and reduce climate impacts.