NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES POLICY

What Is This Policy?

The National Water Resources Policy is Nigeria’s blueprint for making sure water is managed wisely, shared fairly, and protected for the future. It balances human needs, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Who Does It Target?

The policy targets government agencies, private sector operators, communities, NGOs, and international partners.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

It aims to foster the integrated management of Nigeria’s water resources for optimum, sustainable, efficient, and equitable development and use.

Key Features

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Promotes coordinated use of water across agriculture, energy, industry, and domestic needs. Ensures water allocation is efficient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable. Universal Access & Public Health It aims to facilitate sustainable access to safe and sufficient water for all Nigerians. Seeks to eradicate water-borne diseases and improve sanitation. Food Security & Poverty Reduction Supports irrigation and agriculture to boost food production. Ensures water availability for livelihoods, reducing poverty in rural communities

Current Status

Rollout Stage: implementation Coverage: applies nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: rural and urban population, government institutions Funding: Federal government allocations, state government

Important Terms

Term 1-Equitable Access Ensures all Nigerians — urban and rural, rich and poor — have fair access to safe and sufficient water. Special emphasis on underserved communities. Term 2- River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) Institutional framework for managing water resources at the hydrological basin level. Key actors in irrigation, flood control, and water supply projects.

Official Resources

Federal Ministry of Water Resources & Sanitation (FMWR) Website: https://waterresources.gov.ng (waterresources.gov.ng in Bing) Email (general): [email protected] Phone: +234 (0)9 234 2222 (main switchboard, Abuja office) Address: Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase II, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria. National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Kaduna Website: http://nwri.gov.ng Phone: +234 (0)62 241 479 Address: Mando Road, Kaduna, Nigeria. Link to document- Link to document

Legal Framework

The National Water Resources Policy operates under the Water Resources Act, the River Basins Development Authorities Act, and the National Water Resources Institute Act. It aligns with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act 2007, and Nigeria's obligations under the Niger River Authority Act, the Lake Chad Basin Commission Agreement, and the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses.