The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step towards improving access to safe and reliable water supply for its residents by convening a Stakeholders’ Engagement on the pilot Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the Lagos Water Corporation. The two-day event, held at Protea Hotel in Ikeja, brought together sector experts, community leaders, private investors, and development partners to discuss the initiative.
The Special Adviser to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Rotimi Akodu, emphasized that the initiative is a critical step in addressing the state’s growing water demand, driven by rapid urbanization and population growth. Akodu noted that achieving universal access to potable water requires substantial capital investment and operational efficiency, elements that can be enhanced through strategic private sector collaboration. This partnership is expected to leverage private sector expertise, innovation, and funding to complement government investments.
The Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Mukhtaar Tijani, reiterated the government’s vision to transform the water sector. The decision to pilot the PPP model through selected mini and micro waterworks aims to ensure that water facilities are not only rehabilitated but also maintained to the highest standards. This phased approach is part of a broader reform agenda that will place Lagos on a clear path toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 — Clean Water and Sanitation for All.
The Country Director of WaterAid, Evelyn Mere, called on the State Government to scale up the Akilo water scheme management model, which aims to achieve sustainable urban water supply. She announced that the Akilo waterworks would be completed by the end of the month and may be commissioned in September. This is the first urban water scheme that WaterAid has undertaken in Nigeria, and it is expected to serve as a model for future water supply projects.
The Lagos State Government’s initiative to explore public-private partnerships for water supply is a significant step towards addressing the state’s water needs. With the support of WaterAid and other stakeholders, the government aims to improve access to safe and reliable water supply for its residents. The success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as the ability to implement sustainable solutions that benefit the people of Lagos.
