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The paper is an exploratory review of Federal Government of Nigeria’s gazettes, agencies reports, intergovernmental documents on water resources policy as primary data source and publications by academia; with the aim to contribute insightfully in the ongoing effort of the government and stakeholders in designing a comprehensive water resources policy. The paper identified contradictions and overlapping statutory responsibility that constituted policy implementation impediments’ and galvanized discourse toward effective implementable policy. A paradigm shift is advocated by making the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) the center stage of the nation’s water resources policy development and implementation. But considering the underdeveloped status of Nigeria, there are three critical sectors whose effective functionalities are synergistic for accomplishing the RBDAs vision. These are Energy, Food and Public Health. It is imperative to temporarily focus the nation’s water policy on them for a period of at least ten years through enactment of “Dedicated Water Resources Bill”. The Bill should only address (1) institutional framework (2) Energy, Food and Public Health security and (3) Integrated water resources management. Work should continue on the comprehensive Water Resources Bill through the process of consultation that promote inclusion, accountability, transparency, and the needs of the vulnerable.Keywords: Nigeria, Policy, Water resources, RBDAs, Development

This paper is a study on financial sustainability of water supply service to the city of Offa, in Kwara State, Nigeria. The value consumers place on water supply and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for improved service and the factors that influence their preferences were determined using an econometric model. The WTP was estimated using a double-bounded dichotomous model and the mean WTP was found to be 70% higher than the current tariff, while the expected monthly revenue from domestic customers alone was 21 million ($175,000)1. The study revealed that the consumers were not satisfied with the level of service but they were willing to pay for improved service and even support reforms that will bring about this change. The mean WTP in practical terms gives social benefit of a policy for the offered service for the affected population. The study outcome shows that the high WTP is a good incentive for private sector involvement in the management of urban water supply.