Water Rights and Irrigation Systems in Nigeria
October 21, 2025
Water is the heartbeat of every successful farm, yet it remains one of the least understood and most controversial aspects of agriculture in Nigeria. At Pryme Point Farm Estate, we treat water security as one of the key variables, for even the best of ideas quickly dry up without it. Knowing how to work out water rights and establishing a functional irrigation system can be the difference between a struggling farm and a thriving one, with weather pattern changes and increasing competition for water becoming serious concerns now.
Most farmers in Nigeria do not understand the regulations concerning water usage until they get into a conflict. The reality is that, according to Nigerian law, which is epitomized by the Land Use Act and other regulations about water, all surface and underground water belongs to the government on behalf of the people. Simply put, ownership of land does not mean one will claim the water on it. You are only allowed to use it through rights or permits issued by government agencies. For large-scale farming, this generally means getting formal permission before you can bore holes or draw water from rivers or lakes. Failure to do so may bring fines, shutdowns, and disputes with other water users. So, before you install your irrigation system, make sure the paperwork is in place.
Surface water rights address the use of rivers, streams, and ponds. Household use is almost always exempt, but large-scale agricultural use must be approved by the appropriate state or federal water authority. Always verify that your farm has legal access to a water source before investing in pumps and pipes. Paperwork is important, not only for possible future collateralizing of your farm or resale, but also for added value and credibility with investors when you can prove a verified water source.
On the other hand, groundwater emanates from wells or boreholes. Many farmers think that since they dug it, they can freely use it, which may not be the case. Deep boreholes supplying their water from major aquifers may require government approval since such aquifers should not be over-exploited. In some states, groundwater extraction is already regulated so as not to lower the water table. Even where it is not strictly enforced, responsible use applies. Over-pumping affects other communities that depend on the same supply of water. At Pryme Point Farm Estate, we believe sustainable use of water is part of being a good neighbor and ensures that everyone enjoys access for years.
We have seen at Pryme Point Farm Estate that those who consider and handle water as an asset, not as an unlimited resource, inevitably build stronger and more resilient businesses. In today’s world, farming success doesn’t just depend on how much land you own but on how wisely you manage the water beneath and around it.