Bukola Afeni
The Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Dr. Aminu Zaria, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s water resources,.
He stated that significant groundwork has been laid for a modern, digital, transparent, and future-ready regulatory institution aligned with national priorities.
Dr. Zaria made this known while presenting the milestone achievements of his first 100 days in office at an event held in Abuja.
According to him, “Today is not just a moment of reflection, but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s water resources, strengthening national water security, and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The Executive Director in a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Fatimah Yusuf highlighted key accomplishments recorded since assuming office.
He described the Commission as central to Nigeria’s water governance framework.
“Our work is critical to national development, environmental sustainability, food security, industrial growth, and climate resilience.”
Dr. Zaria said, “When I assumed the position of Executive Director 100 days ago, I came in with a clear vision: to build a disciplined, transparent, data-driven, and technologically enabled regulatory institution that is responsive to the needs of citizens, industries, and the environment.”
Speaking further, he explained that in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and with the support of the Honourable Minister and the Commission’s management, he immediately initiated reforms focused on restoring order.
“We are also strengthening institutional systems, improving efficiency, empowering staff, rebuilding the Commission’s foundation, and restoring public confidence.
Among the achievements recorded within the period, the Executive Director listed enhanced staff morale through regular engagement via management and staff town hall meetings.
This is aimed at identifying and addressing staff concerns.
He also announced the inauguration of a think-tank team to drive the administration’s goals.
He further revealed that the Commission also strengthened partnerships with key institutions.
” They include the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Global Water Partnership Organization (GWPO), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF).”
“Others include the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to promote institutional collaboration, capacity building, and data sharing.”
Other achievements include the revival of field and catchment offices across hydrological areas to enhance catchment operations, the introduction of the PACE (Professionalism, Adeptness, Consistency, and Excellence) Agenda to strengthen service delivery within the water sector, and the upward review of salaries for security and janitorial personnel.
Dr. Zaria also disclosed that the Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kano State Water Board to further strengthen Nigeria’s water governance drive.
“Our internal systems are stronger, our staff are motivated, our partners are more engaged, and our commitment to water governance reform is unwavering. I am glad to say that we have laid the groundwork for a modern, digital, transparent, and future-ready regulatory body aligned with national priorities,” he said.
He added that the Commission remains focused on securing Nigeria’s water future and ensuring that every drop of water is sustainably managed for generations to come.
