About us
The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission is an organization
enabled by the National Water Resources Act; which seeks essentially to Promote and Coordinate effective planning and management for the equitable distribution of Water Resources in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner, which implies the use of the water, land and other related environmental resources of the shared National and International Water Resources.
Mandate of the Commission
The Commission has three key distinct roles
Definition of Standards
The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) establishes national standards for sustainable water management, setting benchmarks for permits, groundwater abstraction, and compliance to ensure equitable access, prevent over-exploitation, and protect water quality.
Regulation of Water Resources Development
The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) regulates water resource development in Nigeria. It issues permits, monitors activities, enforces compliance, and promotes efficient water management to protect surface and groundwater and ensure long-term water security for socio-economic growth.
Water Resources Planning and Management
.The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) promotes sustainable water use, regulates usage, protects against pollution, and ensures compliance with national policies. It manages licensing and decision-making to balance water demands and support socioeconomic development.
Explore Our Blog
NIWRMC Preparatory meeting with the ACReSAL Team for the formal handing-over of Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMPs) developed by ACReSAL
In preparation for the formal handing-over of Stratrgic Catchment[…]
NIWRMC: Executive Director, Dr. Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria Presents Milestone Achievements of First 100 Days in office
Dr. Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria has presented his milestone achievements of[…]
NIWRMC signs MoU with KSWB to strengthen Nigerian’s Water Governance
The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) and[…]
Licensable Activities
As a regulator in the sector, the Commission has continued to process applications for water right licenses to prospective service providers. Water Use Regulation has been vetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice and gazetted in February, 2016 and amended in 2020.
Agriculture (Irrigation, Aquaculture Horticulture)
Agricultural production in Nigeria relies heavily on water resources, making irrigation, aquaculture, and horticulture key water-dependent activities that fall under the licensing mandate of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC). In line with the Water Resources Act and the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), NIWRMC regulates access to and use of surface and groundwater for commercial agricultural operations to ensure sustainability, equity, and environmental protection.
Dam Regulation (Hydropower)
Dam construction and operation are critical water-related activities that require strict regulatory oversight to ensure safety, sustainability, and equitable water allocation. The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) classifies dam development—whether for water supply, irrigation, hydropower, flood control, aquaculture, or multiple-purpose use—as a licensable activity under the national water governance framework. Through its licensing mandate, NIWRMC ensures that all dams are planned, constructed, operated, and decommissioned in accordance with national standards and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles.
Abstraction of Surface and Groundwater
The abstraction of water from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater aquifers is a critical activity that directly influences national water security. To ensure that water withdrawals are sustainable, equitable, and environmentally safe, the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) regulates and licenses all significant abstractions of both surface and groundwater under the Water Resources Act. This applies to commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, and other large-scale water users.
Why Get Licenced
Promotes Sustainable and Responsible Water Resource Management
Regulates groundwater abstraction to prevent over-exploitation, protects environmental integrity and ecosystems, and enables accurate national water data collection for informed planning and sustainable resource allocation.
Ensures Legal Compliance and Institutional Legitimacy
Ensures compliance with national water regulations to avoid fines and reinforces legitimacy through official government authorization.
Provides Technical Oversight and Enhances Operational Standards
Provides expert assessment and continuous monitoring of borehole design, abstraction capacity, and water quality to ensure compliance with safety standards and operational efficiency.
Our Projects
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Team Lead
What are you waiting for?
Ready to take the next step? Let’s bring your vision to life! Explore our services and get in touch today for a consultation. Together, we’ll make it happen.
Contact us
For information about the Commission or getting licensed you can reach us on:
Our office location
Plot 502, Nafisah Plaza, Abogo Langema Street, off Constitution Avenue, Central Business District, Abuja.
