Lagos Launches Pilot Water PPP Stakeholder Engagement to Boost Supply
Lagos Convenes Stakeholder Engagement on Pilot Public–Private Partnership for Water Supply
Lagos State has initiated a critical stakeholder engagement to launch a pilot Public–Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at improving water supply across the metropolis. The two-day event, organized by the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) with support from WaterAid Nigeria, centered on the theme: “Attracting Investment for Improved Water Supply in Lagos State through Public Private Partnership.”
Officials highlighted the urgent need for innovative models in the face of rapid urbanisation and growing water demand. The Special Adviser on the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, described the partnership as a strategic move to secure substantial capital investment and improve operational efficiency, recognizing that delivering universal access to potable water cannot rely on public funding alone.
Concerns over outdated infrastructure and climate-related challenges shaped the dialogue. Permanent Secretary for Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mr. Mahamood Adegbite, noted that aging waterworks and climate pressures demanded forward-thinking solutions backed by private sector agility. Meanwhile, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, from the Office of Environmental Services, emphasized that reduced foreign funding made such partnerships not only prudent but necessary.
LWC’s Managing Director, Mr. Mukhtaar Tijani, affirmed that the model ensures accountability and innovation without conceding control of public resources. He explained that the plan involves piloting the PPP through selected mini and micro waterworks, with a robust framework for transparent procurement and oversight. He assured stakeholders that while leveraging private sector capital, the State would retain regulation and standards-setting authority.
WaterAid Nigeria expressed strong support, calling on Lagos to scale successful models city-wide. Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid, lauded the strategy and urged adoption of the Akilo water scheme as a replicable blueprint for sustainable urban water delivery. She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prior assent to the WASH policy in 2024, a clear commitment to strengthening water access.
While advocates tout PPP’s potential, critics warn against creeping privatization. Civil society groups, including RDI, EDEN, and CFSF, criticized the move as disregarding public sentiment and pushing a privatization agenda via stakeholder “consultation.” They accused the government of repeating global errors, where PPPs led to higher tariffs and reduced access. Instead, they championed Public–Public Partnerships (PuP) as a fairer, people-focused alternative.
As Lagos charts this new course, the engagement marks an important crossroads between sustainability and public accountability. The success of the pilot, and public trust in the process, may well define the future of urban water governance in the state.
