INTRODUCTION
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.
INCEPTION
The Federal Executive Council in accordance with global best practice and following the recommendation of the Committee on Federal Government Public Service Reform approved the establishment of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) in May 2007.
The Commission is essentially to assist the Honourable Minister responsible for Water Resources and by extension the people and governments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to regulate and control the rights by all persons to develop and use water resources shared by more than one state.
THE MANDATE OF THE COMMISSION
The Commission has three key distinct roles:
- Definition of standards;
- Regulation of water resources development; and
- Water Resources Planning and Management.
VISION STATEMENT
“To ensure the management of safe and sustainable water for all”.
MISSION STATEMENT
“To restore and protect the nation’s water resources for the good of all”.
OUR VALUES
Courage:
We will implement a visionary approach, provide leadership and prepare to make difficult decisions.
Inclusiveness:
We will cultivate relationships based on trust and sharing, always considering the needs of future generations, and working together in a true partnership; we will engage all partners, including the local communities, and ensure that partners have a capacity to be fully engaged.
Commitment:
We will act with passion and decisiveness, taking the long-term view and aiming for stability in decision-making and sustainability in development; we will take a Basin perspective and a non-partisan approach to Basin Management.
Respect & honesty:
We will respect different views, respect each other and acknowledge the reality of each other’s situation, we will act with integrity, openness and honesty, be fair and credible, and share knowledge and information; we will use resources equitably and respect the environment.
Flexibility:
We will accept reform where it is needed, be willing to change and continuously improve our actions through a learning approach.
Practicability
We will choose practicable long-term outcomes and select viable strategies and options to achieve these outcomes.
Mutual obligation:
We will transparently, share responsibility and accountability, and act responsibly, with fairness and justice; we will support each other through necessary change.
FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
1. implement regulatory policies on activities relating to the management of Water sources that traced more than one state;
2. be responsible for economic and technical regulation of all aspects of Water sources that tracend more than one state as regards exploitation and provision;
3. ensure the safety and quality of Water sources that trasends more than one state thereby Developing public water services by regulating standards for execution and performance;
4. liaise with relevant agencies to conduct studies and surveys for the purpose of establishing water resources balance, catchments management plans and water efficiency strategies (including Basin Management Strategies);
5. interact and consult with approved local and international organizations engaged in Integrated Water Resources Management and liaise with other relevant agencies to determine Nigeria’s input into the setting of international technical standards for Water Resources Development within the provisions of this Act;
6. promote competition in the Water Resources sector;
7. liaise with relevant national and international agencies and advise the Minister on ways of promoting cooperation for effective and equitable management of transboundary waters within and outside Nigeria.
8. protect water users and developers, as well as consumers from unfair practices of licensees and other persons in the supply of Water Resources services and facilities;
9. develop performance indices in relation to the quality of Water Resources services and facilities supplied to consumers having regard to international best practices, performance indicators and Nigerian conditions including dam licensing, safety, monitoring and security;
10. Issue licences for Water Resources use in accordance with the provisions of this Water Resources Act, 2004;
11. monitor the conduct of holders of the licences and to enforce the conditions included in the licences;
12 regulate operational rules of dams, barrages weirs, diversion works and other hydraulic works that affect the flow of water in a river considering principles of any national policy or strategy on reservoir operations and dams’ safety;
13. regulate other activities that may affect water quantity or quality including dredging and programs for weed prevention, clearing and containment activities;
14. facilitate technical assistance through research and development in all aspects of Integrated Water Resources Management; and
15. perform such other functions which in the opinion of the Commission are required for the purpose of achieving its objectives under this Water Resources Act, 2004.
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION
The Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja is structured into the Executive Director’s Office and Six Departments, 13 Divisions and a number of branches when fully developed.
The 6 Departments are:-
1. Catchment Management and Water Utilization Department with Divisions for: Water use efficiency; Public water services tariffs and charges; and Catchments Management Planning.
2. Allocation & Authorization Department with Divisions for: Water Allocation; Development Control; and Authorization and Licensing.
3. Corporate Support Services Department with Divisions for: Corporate Planning; Public Affairs and Communications; and Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation.
4. Monitoring & Enforcement Department with Divisions for: Monitoring; and Enforcement.
5. Finance and Accounts Department with Divisions for: Finance and Accounts; and
6. Administration Department with Divisions for: Human Resources.
Catchment Offices
The Commission also operates field offices in the designated 8 hydrological areas/catchments at the following locations:
