NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY CONTROL REGULATIONS 2011

What Is This Policy?

These Regulations set the legally binding water quality standards for surface and groundwater bodies in Nigeria and prohibit any activity that causes pollution of those resources beyond the specified limits.

Who Does It Target?

Industrial operators discharging process effluent into rivers, streams, or groundwater Mining, oil and gas, and petrochemical companies Municipal water utilities and large-scale agricultural operations

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To protect Nigeria's rivers, lakes, streams, and aquifers from pollution by establishing enforceable quality thresholds and requiring all polluters to treat their discharge before it reaches any water body.

Key Features

Water Quality Standards: Sets permissible limits for physical, chemical, and biological parameters in surface water and groundwater Effluent Discharge Limits: Prescribes maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants in effluent that is discharged to natural water bodies Monitoring and Reporting: Requires all regulated industries to regularly monitor discharge quality and submit reports to NESREA Prohibition on Dumping: Bans the disposal of solid waste, chemicals, oils, or other pollutants directly into any water body or drainage channel Enforcement Powers: Authorises NESREA officers to inspect facilities, collect water samples, and impose sanctions for violations

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active enforcement nationwide Coverage: All surface water and groundwater bodies across Nigeria Funding: Federal government budget through NESREA, supplemented by compliance fees

How to Access

Industrial operators must obtain environmental permits and demonstrate effluent treatment capacity before commencing operations near water bodies. Environmental Impact Assessment approval for any new project near water resources Installation of an effluent treatment system meeting the prescribed standards Regular water quality monitoring and submission of reports to NESREA Application method: NESREA headquarters, Abuja, and state environmental enforcement offices

Important Terms

Exceeding prescribed discharge limits attracts daily fines for each day the offence continues Persistent violations may result in facility closure orders and criminal prosecution

Official Resources

Website: www.nesrea.gov.ng

Legal Framework

Issued under the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act 2007 (NESREA Act). Operates alongside the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992, Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution on environmental obligations, and relevant international environmental conventions ratified by Nigeria. Draws on WHO drinking water quality guidelines, the UN Watercourses Convention, the National Water Policy, and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards previously in force.