NIWRMC Reforms Target Stronger National Water Security Under Renewed Hope Agenda

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) has said that ongoing reforms in the water sector are focused on strengthening national water security in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Executive Director of the Commission, Dr. Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, stated this in Abuja while presenting the policy outcomes of his first 100 days in office.

Dr. Aminu-Zaria explained that as the nation’s water resources regulator, NIWRMC is repositioning its institutional framework to effectively support government policies on sustainable development, food security, industrial growth and climate resilience.

He said key policy-driven interventions include the strengthening of regulatory systems, the revival of catchment and field offices across hydrological areas, as well as enhanced inter-agency collaboration to promote data-driven decision-making in water resources management.

According to him, strategic partnerships have been strengthened with agencies such as ACReSAL, the Global Water Partnership Organisation, NASRDA, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, NGSA and NIHSA, to advance integrated water resources management, capacity building and effective policy implementation.

The Executive Director further disclosed that the Commission has introduced the PACE Agenda — Professionalism, Adeptness, Consistency and Excellence — as an internal policy framework aimed at improving service delivery and regulatory efficiency.

Dr. Aminu-Zaria added that improved staff welfare, institutional discipline and active stakeholder engagement form key components of the reform agenda, designed to restore public confidence and ensure the sustainable use of Nigeria’s water resources.

He assured that NIWRMC remains committed to supporting national policies that guarantee equitable access to water and safeguard Nigeria’s water future for generations to come.