WATER RESOURCES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA / Les ressources en eau et leur exploitation en Nigérie

Abstract

Abstract This paper gives a preliminary assessment of Nigeria's surface and underground water resources and discusses the relevant meteorological, hydrological and hydrogeological factors which determine the magnitude and spatial pattern of the distribution of these resources. It is pointed out that the present uncoordinated and piecemeal development of Nigeria's water resources stems from lack of a national water policy and an adequate institutional framework for managing these resources. Two solutions are suggested. One is that the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency establish a National Water Resources Board charged with rational planning, management and development of the country's water resources. The other is that a training programme should be established to produce the necessary skilled manpower in the field of water resources.