Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) has called for stronger measures to protect rivers and other water sources, warning that the survival of agriculture, livelihoods and communities depends on sustainable management of water resources.
The call was made by the Managing Director of the Authority, Tijjani Musa Tumsah, during the commemoration of World Rivers Day 2026 at the CBDA headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The event, organised by the CBDA in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and other stakeholders, was held under the theme, “No Water, No Life.”
The theme highlighted the connection between forests, rivers and water security, while promoting awareness on sustainable development, food production and improved livelihoods, especially in communities facing the impact of climate change.
Tumsah said rivers are not just channels of flowing water but vital resources that support millions of people through agriculture, irrigation and daily economic activities.
He stressed that protecting water sources requires collective responsibility, urging individuals, communities and institutions to take action.
The CBDA boss also commended the governments of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States for their continued support to the Authority in carrying out its mandate.
Representing the Borno State Commissioner for Water Resources, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Yakaka Ali, said the World Rivers Day celebration was an opportunity to draw attention to the importance of water resources in sustaining livelihoods, food production and community resilience.
The General Manager of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), Mohammed Suleiman, described rivers as essential to human survival.
He called on governments and communities to explore ways of harvesting rainwater for agricultural purposes while ensuring that waterways remain protected from pollution and obstruction.
The Executive Director of the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), Maiduguri, Professor Babagana Jugulum Kabir, represented by Ibrahim Babagana Bababe, said water resources remain critical to modern agriculture, irrigation and building stronger communities, including returning populations affected by conflicts and climate challenges.
He called for increased investment in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable livelihood programmes.
The Provost of Mahamat Lawan College of Agriculture, Professor Abba Makinta, said the theme of the 2026 World Rivers Day reflects the realities facing the Lake Chad Basin, particularly the continued decline in water resources.
He urged the CBDA and other relevant stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting rivers and waterways.
The Executive Director of Engineering at the CBDA, Engineer Mohammed Shettima, said the Authority has continued to mark World Rivers Day annually as part of efforts to promote awareness on the importance of preserving water resources.
Stakeholders at the event appealed to communities to stop dumping refuse into waterways, noting that waste materials can block water channels, reduce water flow and negatively affect agricultural activities.
They also praised the efforts of BOSEPA, the Ministry of Water Resources, Mahamat Lawan College of Agriculture and the Lake Chad Research Institute for their contributions to the success of the celebration.
Meanwhile, farmers and members of the Borno State Water Users Association in the Jere area called for improved access to water for irrigation farming.
The farmers appealed to the CBDA to ensure proper maintenance of culverts and other water infrastructure to allow water to reach farmlands and boost agricultural production.
They also urged residents and authorities to protect the Ngadda River from pollution, especially the dumping of nylon and other waste materials into the waterway.
