National Water Resources Bill, 2016

A Bill establishes a legal framework for managing and regulating Nigeria's water resources, including allocation, pollution control, and dam safety. It targets federal and state agencies, agricultural users, industries, and environmental protectors to promote equitable and sustainable water use.

What Is This Policy?

A bill proposing a comprehensive legal framework for the management, regulation, and use of water resources in Nigeria, covering water allocation, pollution control, dam safety, and institutional arrangements for the water sector. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Section 44(3), federal control of natural resources); Water Resources Act (principal Act); River Basin Development Authority Act; Environmental Impact Assessment Act; UN Watercourses Convention 1997

Federal and state water management agencies Agricultural water users and irrigators Industrial and municipal water users Environmental protection agencies

Who Does It Target?

Federal and state government agencies managing water resources including River Basin Development Authorities. Industries, agricultural producers, and municipalities drawing water from national water bodies. Communities dependent on rivers, lakes, and groundwater for domestic use. Hydropower operators, irrigators, and other water users across Nigeria.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Establish a modern legal framework for integrated water resources management in Nigeria that ensures equitable access, sustainable use, and protection of water resources for current and future generations.

Key Features

Water Allocation: Framework for licensing and allocating water use rights among competing users Pollution Control: Standards and enforcement mechanisms for preventing water pollution Dam Safety: Regulatory requirements for the design, construction, and maintenance of dams Institutional Framework: Roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and basin-level water management bodies Stakeholder Participation: Provisions for community and stakeholder involvement in water management decisions

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Proposed legislation, subject to National Assembly passage Coverage: All water resources in Nigeria Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Water Resources Status: The bill has generated public debate and is subject to ongoing legislative review

How to Access

The bill is a legislative proposal. Track through National Assembly records Public comments submitted through relevant committees

Official Resources

Website: waterresources.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja

Legal Framework

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Section 44(3), federal control of natural resources); Water Resources Act (principal Act); River Basin Development Authority Act; Environmental Impact Assessment Act; UN Watercourses Convention 1997