Abstract: The role of the River Basin Development Authorities is to bring about rapid economic development to Nigeria by harnessing water resources in various regions to promote agricultural development through large scale irrigation projects and general water management. Though various achievements have been recorded, evidence reveal that RBDAs in Nigeria have not led to appreciable economic development. Using a comparative approach, this study reviewed the TVA as a successful model and novel concept in river basin project to compare the RBDAs in Nigeria. The study concluded that lack of institutional interfaces between state structures and RBDAs is responsible for poor organization of the RBDAs. The study also recorded variety of other factors also affecting the RBDAs in accomplishing its objectives.