On July 13, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Umar Ibrahim Mohammed as the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). He officially assumed office on July 17, 2024. One year on, it is both timely and fitting to reflect on the remarkable strides and transformative leadership that have reshaped the landscape of hydrological services in Nigeria.
Setting the Pace for Innovation and Resilience
From day one, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed articulated a clear vision: to modernize Nigeria’s hydrological infrastructure, enhance data-driven water resource management, and ensure that hydrological services directly serve citizens, farmers, industries, and policymakers. This vision has translated into significant achievements, reflecting his strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to public service.
Overhauling Flood Risk Management
One of Mohammed’s most notable contributions is the publication of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO). Going beyond previous editions, this year’s outlook focused on community-level impacts, identifying vulnerable infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, agricultural zones, and bridges. This data-driven approach has enabled better preparedness and targeted response planning across states.
The enhanced early warning system has empowered state governments and local communities with timely alerts, significantly improving their capacity to safeguard lives and property during flood seasons.
Strengthening Hydrological Data Infrastructure
Under his leadership, NIHSA has achieved significant progress in expanding and modernizing the nation’s hydrological monitoring systems:
- Automatic Weather Observation Stations (AWOS) have been installed or upgraded in Adamawa, Kogi, Benue, and Niger States. These are now equipped with telemetric systems for real-time data collection and forecasting.
- New Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) have been established on Rivers Niger and Benue, while ten previously dormant DCP stations have been restored to full functionality.
- The agency has also advanced efforts to expand Satellite-based Hydrological Monitoring (SATH), especially in underserved regions, in collaboration with the Niger Basin Authority and with prospective funding from the Government of the Netherlands.
Advancing Sustainable Groundwater Management
NIHSA’s Groundwater Assessment Programme continues to thrive under Mohammed’s leadership, with regular data collection and maintenance across the country’s monitoring stations. This work is crucial for drought mitigation and agricultural planning.
Key accomplishments include:
- Saline Water Intrusion Studies (SWIS) in Bayelsa and Benue States, helping to guide safe borehole siting and ensure access to potable water.
- Geophysical and isotope investigations, exploratory borehole drilling in Katsina and Kebbi States, and hydrogeochemical analysis in Nasarawa State to tackle water contamination challenges.
Launching Innovative Climate and Economic Resilience Projects
A landmark initiative of the past year is the introduction of the Integrated Climate Resilient Innovation Project (I-CRIP). This ambitious project addresses climate change and economic disparity through regenerative agriculture, clean energy, and sustainable technologies. I-CRIP aims to empower smallholder farmers, boost agricultural and energy exports, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in climate-smart development.
Introducing Nigeria’s First National Flood Insurance Programme
In April 2025, NIHSA—under the oversight of the Hon. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation—launched the National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP). This groundbreaking initiative provides insurance coverage to vulnerable households, livestock, and farmland affected by climate-induced flooding.
By leveraging scientific risk data, the NFIP enables automatic payouts during disasters, offering financial protection and swift relief to affected communities.
Expanding Research and Institutional Capacity
Understanding the critical role of institutional capacity in delivering impact, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed established two new departments:
- The Department of Marine and Coastal Hydrology, to address Nigeria’s specific coastal water challenges.
- The Planning, Research, and Statistics Department, which anchors data-driven decision-making and continuous institutional improvement.
To bolster NIHSA’s reach and expertise, he also enhanced collaboration with both local and international organizations. Notably, the agency strengthened partnerships with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other key stakeholders.
In 2024, NIHSA proudly hosted the Biennial Symposium of the Nigerian National Committee (NNC) for UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP)—further establishing Nigeria’s role in global water science collaboration.
A Legacy of Service, Science, and Impact
From sediment yield studies vital for dam management to real-time river discharge measurements crucial for national water planning, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed has ensured that NIHSA remains central to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.
In just one year, his tenure has demonstrated how science-based leadership and a commitment to public good can transform an institution and deliver measurable benefits to millions of Nigerians.
As NIHSA celebrates this milestone, stakeholders, staff, and citizens commend Umar Ibrahim Mohammed for guiding the agency into a new era of resilience, innovation, and relevance. His leadership is not just about numbers and infrastructure—it’s about saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and building a future where hydrological services are a driving force for national progress.
Congratulations to Umar Ibrahim Mohammed on a remarkable first year as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA—a tenure defined by vision, dedication, and meaningful impact.