Water Sector Reforms Aimed At Strengthening Water Security – Aminu Zaria

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, NIWRMC, says ongoing reforms in the water sector are aimed at strengthening national water security in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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

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

According to him, policy-driven interventions introduced include the strengthening of regulatory systems, revival of catchment and field offices across hydrological areas, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration to improve data-driven decision-making in water resources management.

The Executive Director noted that strategic partnerships have been reinforced with agencies such as ACReSAL, the Global Water Partnership Organisation, NASRDA, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, NGSA, and NIHSA, to promote integrated water resources management, capacity building and effective policy implementation.

He further disclosed that the Commission has introduced the PACE Agenda — Professionalism, Adeptness, Consistency and Excellence as an internal policy framework to improve service delivery and regulatory efficiency.

Dr. Aminu-Zaria added that improved staff welfare, institutional discipline and stakeholder engagement are critical components of the Commission’s reform agenda, aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring sustainable use of Nigeria’s water resources.

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

PR/Georgina Humphrey