WATER RESOURCES AMENDMENT ACT 2016
Act · Water
Policy date: 2016-01-01
An Act that strengthens the management and protection of Nigeria's water resources, including groundwater and shared water bodies. It targets federal and state water authorities, as well as users in agriculture and industry. This aims to improve water governance and address climate-related challenges.
What Is This Policy?
An amendment to the Water Resources Act strengthening the regulatory framework for the sustainable management, allocation, and protection of Nigeria's water resources including surface water, groundwater, and shared international water bodies.
Who Does It Target?
Federal Ministry of Water Resources River Basin Development Authorities State water regulatory bodies Industrial, agricultural, and municipal water users
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To update the Water Resources Act in line with contemporary water governance principles, clarify the roles of federal and state authorities, improve water quality protection, and address emerging issues including climate-related water scarcity.
Key Features
Water Use Permits: Users extracting above specified thresholds of water must obtain a permit from the relevant authority. National Water Resources Regulatory Commission: Establishes or strengthens the Commission as the apex water regulator. Water Quality Standards: Sets standards for discharges that could affect water quality in rivers and aquifers. Integrated Basin Management: Promotes coordinated management of river basins across state boundaries. Penalties: Enhanced fines for unauthorised abstraction, pollution, and obstruction of water courses.
Current Status
In force. The amended Water Resources Act is administered through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the River Basin Development Authorities, guiding water allocation, licensing, and environmental protection.
Apply for a water use permit from the National Water Resources Regulatory Commission Submit hydrological impact assessments for large abstraction proposals Comply with water quality discharge standards as prescribed Application method: National Water Resources Regulatory Commission / Federal Ministry of Water Resources
Important Terms
Unlicensed large-scale water abstraction is an offence Permit holders must install metering and reporting systems Water permits may be revoked for non-compliance
Official Resources
Website: www.waterresources.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as an amendment to the Water Resources Act (Cap W2 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the National Water Policy, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Act, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act 2007, and Nigeria's obligations under the UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses.