Section 1: Vesting of rights and control of water in the Federal Government

(1) The right to the use and control of all surface and groundwater and of any water-course affecting more than one State as described in the Schedule to this Act, together with the bed and banks thereof, are by virtue of this Act and without further assurance vested in the Government of the Federation for the purpose of-
[Schedule.]
(a) promoting the optimum planning, development and use of Nigeria's water resources;
(b) ensuring the co-ordination of such activities as are likely to influence the quality, quantity, distribution, use and management of water;
(c) ensuring the application of appropriate standards and techniques for the investigation, use, control, protection, management and administration of water resources; and
(d) facilitating technical assistance and rehabilitation for water supplies.
(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section, shall not be construed as infringing or constituting a compulsory acquisition of any right over, or interest in property.