National Water Resources Policy (NWRP 2016)

What Is This Policy?

The National Water Resources Policy (NWRP) is Nigeria's overarching framework for the sustainable development, management, and governance of all water resources — covering surface water, groundwater, transboundary rivers, and water for agricultural, industrial, domestic, and environmental uses across Nigeria's six river basins.

Who Does It Target?

All Nigerians requiring access to potable water, irrigation, and water for productive use State Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (SWSSAs) responsible for urban and rural water delivery River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) managing Nigeria's six river basins Agricultural users relying on irrigation schemes and water storage infrastructure Industrial and commercial water consumers including power generation companies

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Ensure sustainable access to adequate, affordable, and safe water for all Nigerians in line with SDG 6 Integrate water resources planning across all sectors — agriculture, energy, environment, and domestic supply — through Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Address the deterioration of water infrastructure, reduce non-revenue water losses, and improve cost recovery Promote conservation, pollution control, and transboundary water cooperation with neighbouring states (Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Benin)

Key Features

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): Policy mandates cross-sectoral coordination of water development to prevent conflicts between agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses Six River Basin Authorities: Benin-Owena, Chad Basin, Cross River, Hadejia-Jama'are, Niger Delta, and Upper/Lower Niger RBDAs coordinate basin-level water governance Water Allocation Framework: Priority sequence: domestic drinking water → environmental flow → agricultural → industrial → energy uses Groundwater Protection: Policy requires aquifer protection zones and prevents industrial contamination of groundwater in all 36 states Transboundary Cooperation: Nigeria participates in Lake Chad Basin Commission and Niger River Authority to manage shared international water resources Private Sector Role: Policy supports public-private partnerships (PPPs) in water supply and irrigation infrastructure delivery

Current Status

The National Water Resources Policy is in force, serving as Nigeria's framework established in 2016 for water management and governance.

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 is supported by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act 2007 and aligns with the Lake Chad Basin Commission agreements, the Niger River Authority Act, and Nigeria's obligations under international water law including the UN Watercourses Convention.