Press Release: AMCOW joins ECOWAS’ 11th Ordinary Session of the Committee of Experts

Abuja, Nigeria – June 28, 2024

The 11th Ordinary Session of the Committee of Experts and the 5th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in West Africa is held in Abuja, Nigeria, from June 25 to 28, 2024. This significant event is organised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Water Resources Management Center (WRMC), with the esteemed participation of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW).

The sessions aim to reinvigorate the regional IWRM process in West Africa, addressing the dynamic challenges in water resource management and setting strategic directions for the future. Attendees include experts from the member states, representatives from regional and international water management organisations, and key stakeholders from development partners, UN agencies, civil society and the private sector. A ministerial session on 28 June will welcome ministers responsible for water in the Western Africa region.

The objective of the event is to review regional IWRM progress. The sessions will provide a comprehensive update on implementing the IWRM process in West Africa since the 4th Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee, which was held in Dakar, Senegal, in 2015.

Other specific objectives include:

Assess the implementation status of the decisions from the 4th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee, ensuring continued alignment with regional water management goals.
Set strategic directions by examining the 2024 work program and budget of the WRMC and discussing the strategic plan for 2020-2030, focusing on sustainable and integrated water resource management practices.
Share key initiatives by ECOWAS and partners, promoting collaboration across transboundary water basins and enhancing regional water governance.
Address the operationalisation of the Regional Water Observatory and the promotion of new basin organisations, ensuring effective monitoring and management of water resources.

AMCOW Executive Secretary delivering a remark at the opening session of the 11th Ordinary Session of the Committee of Experts of ECOWAS.
(From left to right) Kouakou Alexis Kouassi – Director of the Water Resources Management Center (WRMC) of ECOWAS Commission, Engr Adeyinka Adenopo – Director of Water Resources Management at the Ministry of Water Resources Nigeria and Dr Rashid Mbaziira – AMCOW Executive Secretary

AMCOW’s delegation, led by the Executive Secretary, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, is critical in this event and demonstrates its commitment to supporting ECOWAS and its member states. In his remarks, the AMCOW Executive Secretary emphasised the importance of sustainable water management for regional and global development. He reiterated AMCOW’s dedication to enhancing governance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in sustainable water resources management.

“We are honoured to participate in these critical sessions, which mark a significant step towards strengthening water resource management in West Africa. AMCOW remains committed to supporting ECOWAS in turning challenges into opportunities and ensuring water is a source of life, prosperity, and peace for all.”

The Executive Secretary of AMCOW seized the opportunity to call on all participants to attend the ninth edition of Africa Water Week (AWW9), which will be hosted in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt. The event is expected to result in actionable recommendations and strategic directives to guide and strengthen IWRM in West Africa, ensuring resilient and inclusive water management practices across the region.