Nigeria at risk, as Niger junta suspends World Bank-funded Kandadji Dam project

Nigeria and other countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) belt are now directly at risk as the junta in Niger Republic has suspended the World Bank-funded Kandadji Dam project originating in the country.

The Kandadji dam is being constructed on the River Niger, 187 and 489 kilometers upstream from Niger’s capital city, Niamey, and the Nigerian border respectively, and 60km downstream from the Malian border.

According to the World Bank, the financier of the project, the Kandadji dam project which is managed by the Niger Basin Water Resources Development and Sustainable Ecosystems Management Programme, aims to increase food production, generate more electricity, boost jobs, and create economic opportunities for families and communities in the Sahel.

The first stage of construction of the dam at a height of 224m started in March 2019 and is expected to end in 2025 or 2026 with the filling of the reservoir at a level of 224 m inside Niger. The second stage of construction of the dam at a height of 228m is expected to start in 2026 and to end in 2031 with the filling of the reservoir at a level of 228 m inside Niger and Mali.

The dam and reservoir when completed will support irrigation of up to 45,000 hectares of land, which will increase agricultural production, boost food security, and improve living conditions downstream.

Areas round the communities in Borno State are expected to benefit from the project as well as countries in ECOWAS.

The dam project which draws heavily from the Nigerian axis of the River Niger was suspended, Thursday, by the junta in Niger Republic citing sanctions placed in it by international communities, including the World Bank, ECOWAS, African Union (AU) European Union (EU), United States, and others.

The Niger situation has failed to reach a resolution as the military has continued to shut its doors to negotiations or any meetings with the international community since taking over political power, July 26 from civilian president, Mohammed Bazoum.

However, despite shutting its doors against much of the international community, a breakthrough emerged, Wednesday, as the junta in Niger Republic granted access to former Emir of Kano Emirates, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi, for a meeting.

The meeting with the junta’s leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani follows several failed attempts made by delegations from United States, European Union (EU), the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)to meet with the military rulers same day.

Niger Republic’s junta refused to meet with the African Union (AU) delegation which had arrived the country in the hope for a peaceful resolution of the impasse following a military coup which ousted civilian president Mohammed Bazoum, on July 26.

The Niger junta had also refused to meet ECOWAS and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s special envoy, Gen. Abdullsalami Abubarkar (rtd) who was forced to sit with delegates at the airport in Niamey, the country’s capital.

Other envoys sent in by the United States and the United Nations were denied meetings, recently.

Earlier, the junta resisted pressure from the United States and the United Nations to come to the negotiating table.

On the decision to suspend the dam project, Thursday, a notice released by the C.G.G.C. Kandadji Dam Construction Project (Batch1) Director, Thursday, said the suspension follows the sanctions imposed on the country by international bodies.

However, suspending the Kandadji Dam construction project by the junta may serve to further escalate tension and threaten negotiations for a peaceful resolution to the impasse with the rest of the sub-region.

Tiled; ‘Notice on the suspension of the Kandadji Dam Project and the dismissal of workers,’ Niger Republic said in a statement that the decision to suspend the project will be followed up with compensation to the affected workers.

“As a result of the political turbulence that occurred on July 26, 2023 in Niger, the security situation is becoming increasingly worrisome.

“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union and the World Bank have all imposed financial sanctions on the country, making it impossible to settle accounts for the company.

“In the face of force majeure, we find ourselves forced to stop all construction activities for a week and proceed to phased termination of local workers’ contracts.

“And it should be emphasized that the termination of the contract due to force majeure would not involve the compensation of fired employees…”, he notice read, Thursday.

The Kandadji Dam Construction Project is funded by international financial organisations along with the ECOWAS and aims to benefit the sub-region.

The World Bank said the Kandadji Project will support poverty alleviation efforts by bringing electricity to homes and businesses, and by improving the management of the Niger River. Better basin management will enhance environmental flows in the dry season and ensure a reliable municipal water supply for Niamey.

It will also strengthen Niger’s energy security through the production of electricity from the hydropower plant. In addition, it will supply clean and safe drinking water to those living nearby and create jobs – especially for young people and women – by providing opportunities for people to learn and develop new skills and supporting livelihoods.

The Kandadji Program is a complex project with various environmental and social mitigation measures and offsets.

In addition to construction of the Kandadji dam across the Niger River, the project includes building new access roads, the rebuilding of the town of Ayorou, and construction of a dozen new resettlement villages along the shores of the future reservoir.

Funds supporting the Kandadji Project will help provide water storage along the Niger River to ensure supply during times of drought, irrigation capability, renewable electricity, and jobs for people in the Niger Basin communities.

The completed resettlement program for 9,000 people at the dam site and the planned reconstruction of Ayorou and resettlement programs for 50,000 people in the reservoir area represent important, multi-faceted development opportunities for impoverished local communities, including: New roads, electricity, drinking water, schools, clinics, markets and other community infrastructure and services; 8,000 hectares of irrigated perimeters for displaced farmers.

Others are; Over 10,000 new houses; Extensive agricultural and non-agricultural livelihood restoration programs, including training and employment opportunities related to construction of new resettlement sites; Improved employment opportunities, including jobs for women and youth; Improved water infrastructure that will lead to improved health and education outcomes, contributing to increased human capital.