NIGER BASIN COMMISSION

Formation: The Niger Basin Commission (NBC) was established by countries located in the Niger basin to maintain better co-operation on the use of the River Niger. The treaty establishing the commission was signed by the countries in October, 1963. These countries are: The Republic of Benin, Chad , Cameroun, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Nigeria , Mali , Cote de Ivoire and Niger Republic.

River Niger is one of the longest and largest rivers in the world. It flows through many countries of the West African sub region. The headquarters of the commission is located in Niamey, Niger Republic.

Aims and Objectives of the Commission The commission’s set out policies:

1. To guide navigations on the Niger river.
2. To ensure the most effective utilisation of the resources of the river.
3. To streamline the construction of dams on the Niger.
4. To ensure the most effective use of the Niger water.
5. To undertake schemes to control floods and erosion.
6. To promote studies on the agricultural potentials of the River Niger.