LAGOS GOVT SEEKS PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO UPGRADE MINI, MICRO WATERWORKS
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By: Sefiu Ajape
In a decisive move to boost access to safe and reliable water for Lagos residents, the Lagos State Government has held a high-level Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Pilot Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the Lagos Water Corporation, exploring innovative, technology-driven strategies to improve water service delivery.
Held under the theme “Attracting Investment for Improved Water Supply in Lagos State through Public-Private Partnership”, the engagement brought together sector experts, community leaders, private investors, civil society organisations, and development partners.
The two-day event, organised by the Lagos Water Corporation with support from WaterAid Nigeria, served as the Government’s formal invitation to stakeholders to partner in attracting investment into the water sector through PPPs to enhance service delivery.
Delivering a welcome address, the Special Adviser, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, described the initiative as a key step in addressing Lagos’ growing water demand caused by rapid urbanisation and population growth.
He said the move reflects the State’s understanding that universal access to potable water requires “both substantial capital investment and operational efficiency – elements that can be enhanced through strategic private sector collaboration.”
Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, acknowledged Lagos’ progress in expanding water infrastructure but noted that ageing facilities and climate change impacts demand “innovative partnerships that prioritise sustainability, resilience, and accountability.”
According to him, “The State Government’s vision is clear – to guarantee uninterrupted access to clean and safe water for all Lagosians. This partnership model ensures that the infrastructure we build today will serve future generations. We urge stakeholders to support and embrace this new structure for the greater good of our citizens.”
Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, stressed the urgency of private sector collaboration, pointing out that “with the shortage in funding, governments are struggling with compelling priorities and a reduction in foreign support… there is no better time to partner with the private sector to bring in funding and to improve water services than now.”
Managing Director, Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, reiterated the State’s vision of transforming the water sector into a modern, efficient, and sustainable system in line with global best practices.
He said the PPP framework offers an opportunity to merge “public oversight with private sector innovation, operational efficiency, and investment capacity” to improve production, cut water losses, and extend supply to underserved communities.
He clarified that “the PPP initiative is not an attempt to privatise water resources, but rather a strategic collaboration to improve service quality, expand coverage, and ensure the financial viability of operations.”
He added, “The decision to pilot the model through selected mini and micro waterworks is guided by the need to leverage private sector expertise, innovation, and funding to complement government investments…This phased approach is informed by a broader reform agenda that will place Lagos on a clear path toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for All.”
Engr. Tijani assured that the State remains committed to transparent procurement, robust regulation, and equitable distribution, with a special focus on underserved areas. He also commended WaterAid Nigeria for its support in improving urban water supply.
Earlier, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, urged the State to “scale up the Akilo water scheme management model” and create an enabling environment “built on an effective and sustainable legal and regulatory framework to assure investors of their Return on Investment (ROI).”
Stakeholders praised the Government’s inclusive approach and its determination to secure sustainable, reliable, and universally accessible water.
The engagement concluded with agreement on phased, evidence-based PPP implementation, backed by performance monitoring, environmental safeguards, and continuous dialogue with all stakeholders.
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