Domestic, Community Water Supply My Priority — NIWRMC D-G

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Mon, 2025

Environment

Domestic, community water supply my priority — NIWRMC D-G

follow and like on:

By Tosin Kolade

Dr Abdulmumini Zaria, Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), has pledged to make community and domestic water supply the top priority in Nigeria’s water allocation policy.

Zaria, who assumed duty at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, said industries and companies could only thrive when people were healthy and living with dignity.

He added that it began with access to safe water at the household and community levels.

“Water security is human security. No one can live with dignity without safe water.

“Domestic and community needs must come before industrial and agricultural use. That is the only way to achieve sustainable development,” he said.

The new NIWRMC boss outlined a three-pronged strategy focused on transparent water allocation and stronger partnerships with the private sector and donors.

He said localised solutions such as small dams; rainwater harvesting and community-led projects would be prioritised, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Zaria also pledged a firm compliance framework to safeguard water rights and support electricity and gas generation, irrigation and mineral use.

He explained that this would include stronger licensing procedures, regular audits and inspections of industries and irrigation schemes, as well as stakeholder education through compliance forums.

“As a leader, I will lead from the front. We will not only enforce the rules but also help industries and communities understand why compliance matters, and how it benefits them.

“This will be done through open dialogue, continuous monitoring, and innovative solutions that add value to our nation,” he said.

The executive director assured staff of fair promotions; capacity building and an open-door policy, stressing that welfare remained his top priority.

“The work we do is not just a job, it is a national duty. Every action we take impacts food security, public health, energy and economic resilience for millions of Nigerians,” he said.

He pledged to consolidate on the gains of the commission and to work closely with all stakeholders in advancing sustainable water resources management in the country.

Zaria expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the appointment, and to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, for his consistent guidance and support.

He also appreciated Kaduna Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, whom he described as a mentor and source of inspiration throughout his career.

Earlier, the outgoing Acting Executive Director, Mrs Sakinatu Abbo-Jimeta, thanked the minister, management and staff of the commission for their support during her stewardship.

She said the cooperation she enjoyed made it possible to strengthen regulatory enforcement, promote sustainable water use and engage stakeholders on critical issues in the sector.

Abbo-Jimeta described Zaria as a seasoned public servant with more than two decades of experience, who had played vital roles in implementing government policies to improve efficiency in the petroleum industry.

“I am confident that under his guidance, the commission will attain greater heights in fulfilling its mandate,” she said.

Also, Zaria’s Personal Assistant, Dr Abdullahi Dangana, said the new NIWRMC chief had always emphasised people-centred leadership.

He recalled that Zaria, a seasoned professional with more than 35 years in the oil and gas industry, retired as General Manager, Human Resources, at NNPC Ltd.

He noted that his background in workforce management uniquely positioned him to strengthen the commission’s operations.

“Dr Zaria has consistently maintained that staffs are the greatest asset of any organisation.

“His focus on welfare, morale and productivity will translate into a renewed culture of excellence at the commission,” Dangana said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that his appointment comes as the National Water Resources Bill remains before the National Assembly.

The Bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for water regulation and equitable access across the country.

Stakeholders believe its passage will enhance NIWRMC’s role in water governance and ensure the law delivers real improvements in water access for Nigerians. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

follow and like on: