Proceedings of The 10th International Conference on Research in Behavioral and Social Sciences
Year: 2022
DOI:
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Hydro-politics in the Niger Basin Commission and Nigeria’s National Interest
Andre Ben Moses Akuche, Emmanuel Chijioke Adama,Gerald, Kelechi Iyiakaimo, Emmanuel O. Esin
ABSTRACT:
This study examined Nigeria’s national interest and hydro-politics, explicitly focusing on the Niger Basin Authority. The study’s specific objectives are to (1) identify the obstacles to Nigeria’s national interest under the Niger Basin Authority and (2) determine whether the lack of policy implementation on climate change has affected the human security of the Nigerian population within the institutional policy framework of the Niger Basin Authority. In explaining the study, the regime theory was utilised while employing content analysis as the method of data analysis. The study hypothesized that the Niger Basin Authority had hampered Nigeria’s national interest the Niger Basin Authority has inhibited Nigeria’s national interest and that the lack of policy implementation on climate change has affected human security in the Niger Basin. The study’s findings suggest that Nigeria should ensure she realizes her national interest in international water organizations by promoting her economic growth and national development through her participation in the efficient management of the Niger Basin Authority. She can achieve effective transboundary water resources management that promotes integrated water resources management and sustainable development, including social equity, economic growth, and environmental and ecological protection in good governance and public participation. In addition, Nigeria should be pragmatic in its implementation of climate change policies under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, Goal 13 addresses climate action. This will go a long way toward mitigating human security threats in the Niger Basin, such as drought in the upper Niger and flooding in the lower Niger Basin.
keywords: Multilateral water organizations, national interest, Niger Basin Authority, foreign policy, and national development