Water Governance

The protection of the world’s river deltas must be accompanied by a commitment to responsible water governance. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) started holding meetings without official approval of the federal legislature. In order to work together with nations and communities, there must be an agreed upon respect for the rule of law. Government officials — whether elected or appointed — must respect the institutions they serve to the highest degree possible. Despite their best of intentions, terms of office and the authority to make decisions should not be undermined. Nigeria can and will establish a strong code of ethics in water governance to set the tone and precedent for a global system of river delta management.