The National Water Resources Institute, a Parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources was established in 1979 under Decree No. 3 of March 2nd, 1985, currently referred to as National Water Resources Institute Act, cap No. 83, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The institute being a capacity development and research organization is mandated to carry out training and retraining of water engineers, technologists and technicians in the water resources sector. Also, as part of its mandates, the institute is charged with the responsibilities of providing training for various sector stakeholders on short courses and formulate programme of work in the water resources field in the country.

The Director General is the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute who is supported by the various Heads of Department and Centres. He oversees the daily affairs of the Institute.

The Director General's office is responsible for a number of functions that are essential to support the Director General in performing his responsibilities.

These include: realizing the mission of the Institute, ensuring the mandates of the Institute is properly implemented, providing overall policy coordination, provide/ensure a good environment for research and training of stakeholders, external relations with water experts and stakeholders within and outside Nigeria among others.