Nigeria

Nigeria is home to diverse ecosystems, including the Niger and Benue Rivers, which are vital for the country’s water supply and agricultural systems. These rivers, along with various wetlands, support a large population, but are increasingly threatened by pollution, over-extraction, and climate change impacts like flooding and drought. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to improve water resource management, enhance agricultural resilience, and address environmental degradation for more sustainable development.

IWMI in Nigeria

IWMI’s work in Nigeria focuses on building climate resilience and improving water management systems in the face of challenges like climate change, conflict, and migration. The institute supports small-scale farmers and local communities by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and water resource management. This includes developing digital agriculture tools to improve decision-making, enhancing the role of women and youth in agribusiness, and fostering inclusive, climate-smart agricultural innovations to enhance food security and resilience.

Additionally, IWMI plays a significant role in improving integrated water resource management in Nigeria’s Niger River Basin, where the focus is on climate change adaptation and mitigation. The organization works to enhance transboundary cooperation for water management, building the capacity of local and national institutions to address water security challenges. By integrating climate-smart agriculture and strengthening flood and drought management, IWMI contributes to the long-term resilience of ecosystems and communities, ensuring a sustainable water and agricultural future.

Country representative

Charity Osei-Amponsah

Senior Regional Researcher – Governance Institution and Inclusion, Country Focal Point – Nigeria

Adebayo Oke

Senior Regional Researcher – Next Generation Irrigation

Contact

Contact our office in Nigeria.

Contact the media team.

Contact our global HQ.

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Latest Nigeria publications

Report

Pathways for scaling solar-based irrigation technology ownership in Nigeria: suitability and key stakeholder mapping in Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states

International Water Management Institute; CGIAR Scaling for Impact Program | November 24th, 2025

Ojeleye, O. A.; Oke, Adebayo; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Minh, Thai Thi

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Abstract

Report

Creating an enabling environment for solar irrigation ownership in Nigeria

International Water Management Institute | November 4th, 2025

Ojeleye, O. A.; Oke, Adebayo; Minh, Thai Thi; Tilahun, Seifu A.

Abstract

Report

Summary report of the Stability-and-Peace Accelerator Program in Nigeria, Kenya and Jordan

International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration | December 30th, 2024

Ahmed, D.; Karunakaran, K.; Qiu, Z.; Al-Zu’bi, Maha; Michalscheck, Mirja; Kamanda, Josey; Quadri, S.; Nkosi, Mahlatse; Craparo, A.

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