The Executive Director, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) Dr. Abdulmumini Aminu Zaria has said that effective water governance can only be achieved through strong stakeholder collaboration.
He stated this during the National Validation Workshop for the United Nations 2026 country survey and reporting process on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 6.5.1 Degree of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) implementation in Nigeria, held at the Commission’s head office in Abuja.
The Executive Director noted that “the exercise represents an important milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and our collective efforts to ensure the sustainable, equitable and efficient management of the nation’s water resources”.
Dr. Aminu Zaria said that “the survey outcomes we are validating today reflect the contributions of numerous institutions and stakeholders whose mandates intersect with water resources management.
“The validation process provides us with an opportunity to critically review the findings, build consensus, identity gaps and ensure that the final submission accurately reflects the current status of IWRM implementation in Nigeria”, he added.
He further stated that “beyond fulfilling an international reporting obligation, the SDG 6.5.1 assessment serves as a strategic tool for evaluating progress, informing policy reforms, mobilizing investments and strengthening institutional coordination across the water sector and related sectors”.
Earlier, the Acting Director Corporate Support Services, Dr. Dangana Abdullahi while presenting his welcome address stated that “the workshop brings together key institutions whose contributions are essential to the successful assessment of Nigeria’s progress in implementing integrated water resources management. The broad representation present here reflects the multi sectoral nature of water resources management and underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development outcomes”.
Dr. Dangana said “over the past months, stakeholders have contributed valuable information and insights towards the completion of the survey instrument. This validation workshop provides the platform to collectively review the response, verify the accuracy of the information provided and ensure that the final report reflects a shared national position.
The outcome of this exercise will not only contribute to global SDG monitoring but will also provide important evidence for strengthening policies, programmes, investments and institutional coordination in Nigeria’s water sector”, he added.
Philip Simon
Head (Press & PR)
3/6/2026
