Overview

The National Water Policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, issued in July 2004, provides a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and management of water resources in the country. The document is structured into three chapters: an introduction outlining Nigeria's water resources, challenges, and policy development process; the core policy covering water resources management, crosscutting issues, and sectoral policies; and a final chapter on the way forward, including the need for a national water law and implementation. Key topics include water resources assessment, data management, institutional arrangements, transboundary waters, private sector participation, and sectoral policies for water supply, sanitation, dams, irrigation, and other uses. The policy emphasizes integrated water resources management, stakeholder participation, cost recovery, environmental compliance, and capacity building. It recognizes challenges such as inadequate data, fragmented institutions, pollution, and climate variability. The document is a policy, written in English, and identifies various entities like the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, River Basin Development Authorities, and international agreements.

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