A LAW TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES AS A CORPORATE SOLE

What Is This Policy?

This law grants the Ministry of Water Resources the legal status of a corporate sole, enabling it to hold property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name as a continuing legal entity.

Who Does It Target?

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and its successor institutions Contractors, consultants, and service providers dealing with the Ministry Courts and arbitration bodies handling disputes involving Ministry agreements

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To provide a clear legal foundation that allows the Ministry to manage its assets, enter into binding contracts, and represent the government in legal proceedings related to water resources development and management.

Key Features

Corporate Personality: Grants the Ministry perpetual legal existence independent of changes in the individual holding the ministerial office Property Holding Capacity: Enables the Ministry to acquire, hold, manage, and dispose of real and personal property in its own name Contractual Capacity: Allows the Ministry to enter into legally binding contracts enforceable against and by the Ministry Legal Standing: Gives the Ministry full capacity to sue and be sued before any court or tribunal in Nigeria Ministerial Succession: Ensures continuity of the corporate body through changes in the person of the Minister of Water Resources

Current Status

Rollout Stage: In force Coverage: Applicable to all Federal Ministry of Water Resources operations and dealings nationwide Funding: Not applicable; this is a legal personality statute enabling the Ministry's operational capacity

How to Access

This law is administered internally by the Ministry. Third parties contracting with or suing the Ministry deal with it in its corporate capacity. No direct application is required; all dealings with the Ministry are conducted with it in its corporate legal capacity Application method: Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mabushi, Abuja

Official Resources

Website: www.waterresources.gov.ng

Legal Framework

Enacted under the residual or concurrent legislative powers of the relevant state or federal authority vested by the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Operates alongside the Water Resources Act (Cap W2 LFN 2004), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Act, the Interpretation Act provisions on corporate sole status, and the relevant Ministry of Finance enabling provisions. Aligns with the National Water Policy and the National Integrated Water Resources Management Action Plan.