The provisional findings from Niger’s Court of Accounts have thrust the Nigérienne des Eaux (NDE) into the center of a national conversation. The audit, covering the 2023 and 2024 financial years, points to bacterial contamination, supply shortages of treatment chemicals, suspect procurement practices, and internal management privileges. As the report moves through its contradictory phase, the fallout is already reshaping public expectations and raising urgent questions about what comes next for the state-run water utility.
Across West Africa, water security remains an enduring challenge. In Niger, access to safe drinking water is a critical line of defense for millions of households. The Court of Accounts’ latest scrutiny of the NDE, combined with an examination of recent public procurement procedures, paints a troubling picture of the national operating company.
Bacterial contamination raises red flags over water safety
According to the provisional management audit of the NDE for 2023–2024, bacteriological tests conducted in several regional centers show alarming deviations from World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. While international standards require zero germs (0 CFU/100 ml), samples revealed the following bacterial presence:
- Doutchi: 50,100 CFU / 100 ml
- Maradi: 30,200 CFU / 100 ml
- Filingué: 17,120 CFU / 100 ml
The decline in water quality is largely attributed to the aging 6,957-kilometer distribution network, which suffers between 20,000 and 40,000 leaks annually. These pipe ruptures allow wastewater infiltration and cause pressure drops. Meanwhile, chlorine dosing—a vital disinfection step—fluctuates erratically, from underdosing in Tillabéri and Dosso to overdosing in Niamey.
The situation is worsened by recurring stock shortages of treatment products, particularly calcium hypochlorite, and the use of expired reagents in control laboratories. This leaves the utility unable to certify the potability of the water it distributes.
Network losses and failed deliveries drain public finances
Financially, non-revenue water losses are estimated at 17.9 million cubic meters per year, representing a direct shortfall of about 5.3 billion CFA francs for state coffers.
Beyond these structural losses, several key public contracts have been poorly executed:
- The network equipment contract (DAO No. 001/2025): Awarded in late 2025 to Nascom for 950 million CFA francs including tax, the main lot for connection equipment is significantly delayed. Despite an advance payment of around 250 million CFA francs, the goods remain stuck at the manufacturer in Tunisia, freezing new user connections.
- Renewal of treatment products (DAO No. 009/2026): An open tender was launched in September 2026 by NDE’s general management for the urgent supply of calcium hypochlorite, underscoring the pressing need to secure water treatment plants.
Internal governance under fire
The document also highlights weaknesses in internal control and human resources management. Unilateral spending approvals, accelerated promotions that bypass standard seniority grids, and the absence of certified training programs for network technicians are undermining the company’s technical expertise chain.
As the right of reply and the contradictory phase of the Court of Accounts report continue, these revelations underscore the urgent need for deep structural reforms within the Nigérienne des Eaux to guarantee continuity of public service and protect public health.
