The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) has witnessed a wave of positive transformation as its executive director, Dr. Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, presented landmark achievements recorded within his first 100 days in office.
Describing the milestone as more than a routine assessment, Dr. Aminu-Zaria said the moment reflects a renewed national resolve to protect Nigeria’s water resources and strengthen water security in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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,” he said.
In a statement issued in Abuja by Fatimah Yusuf, Head of Press and Public Relations at NIWRMC, the executive director emphasized the strategic importance of the Commission to Nigeria’s growth and sustainability.
“The Commission sits at the heart of Nigeria’s water governance framework. Its work is critical to national development, environmental sustainability, food security, industrial growth, and climate resilience,” Dr. Aminu-Zaria noted.
Reflecting on his first days in office, he explained that his leadership began with a clear and focused vision for institutional renewal.
“When I assumed office 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,” he said.
According to the statement, guided by this vision and supported by the Minister and the Commission’s management, Dr. Aminu-Zaria swiftly rolled out reforms aimed at restoring order, strengthening systems, improving efficiency, empowering staff, and rebuilding public confidence.
Among the notable achievements recorded within the period are improved staff morale through regular town hall engagements, the inauguration of a think-tank team to drive innovation and policy direction, and strengthened partnerships with key national and international institutions including ACReSAL, GWPO, NASRDA, OSGoF, NGSA, and NIHSA for collaboration, capacity building, and data sharing.
Other milestones include the revival of field and catchment offices across hydrological areas, the unveiling of the PACE Agenda—Professionalism, Adeptness, Consistency, and Excellence—as a new operational ethos, an upward review of salaries for security and janitorial personnel, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kano State Water Board to deepen water governance at sub-national levels.
Summing up the impact of the reforms, Dr. Aminu-Zaria expressed optimism about the Commission’s future.
“Our internal systems are stronger; our staff are motivated; our partners are more engaged; and our commitment to water governance reform is unwavering,” he said.
“We have laid the groundwork for a modern, digital, transparent, and future-ready regulatory body, aligned with national priorities and focused on securing Nigeria’s water future for generations to come.”
The first 100 days, observers say, signal a promising start for NIWRMC as it repositions itself as a proactive and people-focused regulator in Nigeria’s water sector.
