WATER RESOURCES ACT

What Is This Policy?

This Act vests the ownership and control of all surface and groundwater resources in Nigeria in the Federal Government and establishes the framework for managing, allocating, and protecting the country's water resources.

Who Does It Target?

Water abstraction companies, utilities, and industrial users drawing from surface or groundwater State and local governments developing water supply systems Irrigators, farmers, and agribusinesses using water from Nigerian rivers, lakes, and aquifers

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To ensure the sustainable and equitable management of Nigeria's water resources by regulating abstraction, use, and pollution, and by establishing an institutional framework for water resource governance.

Key Features

Federal Ownership: Vests all surface water and groundwater resources throughout Nigeria in the Federal Government Water Use Rights: Establishes a water rights system under which users must obtain a permit before abstracting water beyond domestic use volumes River Basin Authorities: Provides the legal basis for establishing river basin development authorities as the operational units for water resource management Pollution Control: Prohibits the discharge of pollutants into water bodies without authorisation and in excess of prescribed standards Regulatory Powers: Empowers the relevant minister to make regulations, grant permits, and impose levies for water use

Current Status

Rollout Stage: In force; implemented through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and river basin authorities Coverage: Nationwide Funding: Federal government appropriations; water abstraction levies and permit fees

How to Access

Any person or entity wishing to abstract water above domestic quantities must apply for a water use permit. Application for a water abstraction permit submitted to the relevant river basin authority or the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Hydrological or hydrogeological study demonstrating the sustainability of the proposed abstraction Payment of prescribed permit fees Application method: Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, or the relevant river basin development authority office

Important Terms

Abstracting water without a permit is an offence under the Act Polluting water bodies in violation of the Act may result in criminal prosecution and liability for remediation costs

Official Resources

Website: www.waterresources.gov.ng

Legal Framework

Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the River Basin Development Authorities Act, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992, the Land Use Act 1978, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act 2007, and the UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses 1997.