Course description

INTRODUCTION

Water is essential for life, economic development, agriculture, sanitation, and the preservation of ecosystems. Yet, Nigeria faces growing challenges in water resources management, including pollution, over-extraction, climate-induced scarcity, weak infrastructure, and poor governance. Sustainable water resources management (SWRM) involves the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

This conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to explore integrated and adaptive approaches to water governance, policy innovation, technology adoption, and community participation. It aims to support Nigeria’s commitment to achieving water security, climate resilience, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation).

By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:

• understand the principles and objectives of sustainable water resources management;
• assess the state of water availability, access, quality, and use in Nigeria;
• explore strategies for integrated water resources management (IWRM);
• strengthen institutional and legal frameworks for water governance;
• address water pollution, over-extraction, and climate variability;
• promote investments in water infrastructure and innovative technologies;
• engage communities and stakeholders in water conservation and equitable access;
• enhance data collection, monitoring, and decision-making tools for water management; and
• explore regional and international collaboration for transboundary water resources.

CONFERENCE MODULES

Module 1: Water Resources in Nigeria – Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

• Overview of Nigeria’s surface and groundwater resources
• Access to potable water and sanitation services
• Impacts of population growth, urbanization, and climate change on water availability

Module 2: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

• Concepts and components of IWRM
• Institutional coordination among federal, state, and local levels
• Water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus

Module 3: Legal, Policy, and Regulatory Frameworks

• National Water Resources Master Plan and enabling policies
• Roles of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, river basin authorities, and state agencies
• Regulatory challenges and pathways for reform

Module 4: Water Infrastructure and Technological Solutions

• Building and maintaining dams, boreholes, and treatment plants
• Smart water management technologies (IoT, GIS, sensors, and real-time data)
• Innovations in rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and desalination

Module 5: Climate Change and Water Security

• Impact of droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall patterns
• Strategies for climate adaptation and water resilience
• Ecosystem-based approaches to watershed and river basin management

Module 6: Pollution Control and Water Quality Management

• Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban wastewater
• Water quality monitoring and enforcement
• Public health implications and environmental safeguards

Module 7: Community Engagement, Education, and Gender Inclusion

• Role of local communities in water stewardship
• Women and water: addressing gender dynamics in access and usage
• Building awareness and changing water use behaviors

Module 8: Financing and Partnerships for Sustainable Water Management

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in water service delivery
• Accessing climate finance, development grants, and donor support
• Case studies and international best practices in sustainable water governance

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Federal and State Ministries of Water Resources, Environment, Health, and Agriculture
• River Basin Development Authorities and local water boards
• Environmental protection and public health agencies
• Water utility companies and infrastructure developers
• Environmental and water resource engineers
• Researchers, academics, and hydrologists
• Climate change and disaster risk management experts
• NGOs and civil society working on water and sanitation
• Donor agencies and international development partners
• Community leaders and traditional authorities
• Technology providers and innovators in water systems

Journalists and educators focused on environmental issues

What will i learn?

• • understand the principles and objectives of sustainable water resources management;
• • engage communities and stakeholders in water conservation and equitable access;
• • assess the state of water availability, access, quality, and use in Nigeria;
• • explore regional and international collaboration for transboundary water resources.
• • address water pollution, over-extraction, and climate variability;

Frequently asked question