Treaty to Establish African Economic Community Relating to the Pan-African Parliament Act Water Resources Act (Amendment) Bill
Bill · Water
A Bill domesticates Nigeria's obligations under the African Economic Community Treaty and amends the Water Resources Act for better water management. It targets legislators, water users like farmers and industries, and local governments. This seeks to resolve water disputes and ensure equitable access to resources.
What Is This Policy?
Domesticates Nigeria's obligations under the African Economic Community Treaty relating to the Pan-African Parliament, and separately proposes amendments to Nigeria's Water Resources Act to update water rights, usage, allocation, and management frameworks.
Who Does It Target?
Nigerian legislators participating in Pan-African Parliament processes Water users including farmers, industries, households, and power companies State and local governments managing water resources
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Fulfil Nigeria's treaty obligation to domesticate the Pan-African Parliament Protocol into national law Update water resources legislation to address water scarcity, inter-state water disputes, and modern water governance Improve equitable access to water resources for all Nigerians
Key Features
PAP Domestication: Legal basis for Nigerian participation in and obligations to the Pan-African Parliament Water Rights Framework: Updated rules for allocating and regulating water rights for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use Transboundary Waters: Provisions for managing shared water bodies (Lake Chad, River Niger, River Benue) with other nations Water Quality Standards: Minimum water quality requirements for different categories of water use
Current Status
Partially in force. The Pan-African Parliament domestication component has been enacted. The Water Resources Amendment bill is under consideration by the National Assembly.
Water users must register water rights/permits with relevant River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) or state water agencies Water permit application for significant commercial/industrial water use Compliance with water quality and environmental standards for discharge Application method: River Basin Development Authorities and Federal Ministry of Water Resources – waterresources.gov.ng
Important Terms
Extraction of water above permitted quantities is an offence Industrial water discharge must meet prescribed water quality standards
Impact & Metrics
Improves Nigeria's water governance, reducing water conflicts and ensuring sustainable water availability for agriculture and industry.
Official Resources
Website: waterresources.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Water Resources This policy summary is for informational purposes. For official and legal details, refer to the cited Act or Bill and official government sources.
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Implements Nigeria's obligations under the Abuja Treaty establishing the African Economic Community and the Protocol on the Pan-African Parliament, operating under Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution and the AU Constitutive Act.