Chad Basin depth of . Due to heavy pumping, since the start of the 1980s the water levels in both aquifers has been lowered, and some wells no longer function. There is a third, much lower, aquifer in Bima Sandstones that lies at a depth of . Both the current and historical areas of the basin and the mega-basin contain concentrations of fossils. Fossil-fuels deposits in the area are estimated to exceed a trillion barrels in reserves. The Lake Chad Basin Commission was set up in 1964 by Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, the four countries that contain parts of Lake Chad.
Niger–Nigeria relations on control of desertification, promotion of conservation, rational utilization and development of lands, water resources, flora and fauna. "The Maiduguri Agreement", signed on 18 July 1990, and amended 5 October 1998, further deals with development, conservation, and utilization of the water resources of trans–boundary catchments. The Maiduguri Agreement and Abuja Agreement are overseen by the NNJC. Niger–Nigeria relations The Niger–Nigeria relations refers to the current and historical relationship between Niger and Nigeria. Relations are based on a long shared border and common cultural and historical interactions. The 1,500 kilometer (930 mi) long border between Niger to the north and Nigeria