Youth leaders across Nigeria have reiterated their call for leadership change at the African Ministers Council on Water(AMCOW), saying that the current Executive Secretary has failed to provide effective leadership for the organisation.
The tenure of the current Executive Secretary of AMCOW, Dr Rashid Mbaziira is set to elapse on November 8, 2025 with his sight fixed on the possible renewal of his contract to continue piloting the affairs of the pan-African organisation.
But youth leaders under the aegis of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders(CONYL) is kicking against any move to renew the tenure of Mbaziira, saying that he has failed to provide effective leadership needed to ensure linkage between AMCOW’s strategic directions and its operations.
In a press statement signed by the quartet of Comrade Goodluck Ibem, President General, Comrade Adeyemo Adewale, Publicity Secretary, Comrade Junaid Abubakar Secretary, and Comrade Iniobong Sampson, PRO, CONYL told stakeholders that AMCOW needed fresh hand at the helm of affairs.
The group stated that the position of Executive Secretary should be advertised in order to attract competent African professionals to vie for the position.
“It is imperative we address the numerous shortcomings and unprofessional conduct that have marred AMCOW’s effectiveness under (Mbaziira’s) leadership,” CONYL said in the statement.
“The (AMCOW) secretariat’s finances are in disarray, undermining the foundation needed for impactful operations.
“There has been a notable failure to effectively mobilize member states and ministers, resulting in weakened collaboration and shared objectives”.
The umbrella body of youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria challenged AMCOW “to show that it is not a toothless bulldog” by taking appropriate action to steer the organisation in the right direction.
CONYL stressed the need for AMCOW to be steered back to the path of becoming “an effective institution for water development in Africa”, adding that the continent “is abundant with talented professionals capable of leading AMCOW with integrity and effectiveness”.
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It regretted that “despite being a pivotal organisation for water management across the continent, AMCOW has faced a disturbing decline in various operational aspects during the current Executive Secretary’s tenure”.
The youth leaders listed the anomalies at AMCOW, noting that “the ousting of staff has been executed in an outrageous manner, leading to a critical loss of institutional memory that is detrimental to AMCOW’s ongoing initiatives.
“Under the current Executive Secretary, AMCOW has struggled to maintain its standard of peace and cooperation among member states, with divisions arising where harmony is essential.
“The Council faces legal attempts initiated by illegitimately dismissed former staffs, indicative of a troubling work environment and a failure of leadership”.
CONYL reminded African Ministers responsible for water resources and management of the paramount need for them “to rise to this occasion” of giving AMCOW a new sense or direction with a new leadership.
“We urge them to seek an Executive Secretary who is committed to cooperation with existing frameworks such as the African Union and its Africa Investment Programme (AIP), the African Development Bank, and other essential partners.
“The current Executive Secretary’s lack of support for the AIP – a crucial initiative aimed at raising $30 billion annually for Africa’s water and climate development – reflects a concerning detachment from AMCOW’s objectives,” the Coalition said.
It described the failure of the Executive Secretary to galvanise support for AIP as “particularly distressing given his past involvement in its formative stages”.
The group further noted with concern the avalanche of staff petitions that has not only raised questions on the quality of leadership at AMCOW’s Secretariat but has also been “tarnishing the Council’s reputation”.
“We need a leader who prioritizes our continent’s interests over personal grievances, someone who can foster collaboration and champion the significant advantages that AMCOW can provide to African nations.
“We call on all relevant stakeholders to act decisively to enhance the effectiveness of this critical institution and fulfill its mandate to improve water governance across Africa,” said the youth leaders.
