The National Water Resources Institute, a Parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources was established in 1979 under Decree No. 3 of March 2nd, 1985, currently referred to as National Water Resources Institute Act, cap No. 83, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The institute being a capacity development and research organization is mandated to carry out training and retraining of water engineers, technologists and technicians in the water resources sector. Also, as part of its mandates, the institute is charged with the responsibilities of providing training for various sector stakeholders on short courses and formulate programme of work in the water resources field in the country.

MANDATES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INSTITUTE

  1. Promote and Develop Training Courses in Water Resources.
  2. Advise the Minister on National Water Resources training needs and priorities;
  3. Perform applied research functions in all aspects of water resources development and management (i.e. flood control, river regulation, reclamation, drainage, irrigation, domestic and industrial water supply, sanitation and hygiene practice, sewage and sewerage treatment);
  4. Perform such ancillary services on planning of water resources management and river basin development;
  5. Develop and promote the application of codes of practice in water resources development and management suitable for Nigerian conditions;
  6. Promote the establishment and maintenance of a uniform national water resources data collection system relating to surface and subsurface water resources;
  7. Provide for the training of the various sector stakeholders on short courses and formulate program of work in the field of water resources;
  8. Establish and maintain a Water Resources Library, Documentation and Conference centre;
  9. Publish or sponsor publication of water resources journals;
  10. Promote cooperation in water resources development and management with similar bodies within and outside the country and with international bodies connected with water resources management and operations; and
  11. Carry out such other activities as are necessary or expedient for the full discharge of its functions under this Act.