
LWC SET TO UNVEIL PILOT PPP SCHEME TO REVITALISE MINI, MACRO WATERWORKS
… Holds Stakeholders Meeting With Staff
The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has announced plans to partner with the private sector to rehabilitate, upgrade, and operate seven mini and micro waterworks across the state, in a bold move to improve water supply for millions of Lagos residents.
The Managing Director of LWC, Engr. Mukhtaar Temitope Tijani, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement with the staff of the corporation on Monday, reiterating his commitment to reviving the state’s water infrastructure, which currently has only six functional mini and micro waterworks out of 48.
He pointed out that since the state government alone cannot shoulder the huge capital required to deliver potable water, the LWC is set to launch a pilot Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme to inject private sector expertise, financing, and innovation into its operations.
Under the pilot scheme, according to him, seven waterworks, comprising Lekki, Akilo, Victoria Island Annex, Magodo, Abesan, Alexander, and Apapa Waterworks, will be concessioned in Lots to financially capable investors.
In his words, “The initiative covers rehabilitation, upgrade, and long-term operation of the listed facilities. Key responsibilities for concessionaires include conducting feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments, preparing detailed engineering designs, rehabilitating and upgrading treatment plants and distribution networks, installing customer meters, securing project financing, and operating and maintaining the waterworks throughout the concession period.”
“The Concessionaires are also required to hand over the facilities in good condition at the end of the concession period. The LWC will also ensure that the technical and financial audits are conducted before transfer”, he added.
While maintaining that the bidding process will be done in strict compliance with the Lagos State Public Procurement Law of 2012, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability, Engr. Tijani emphasised the Corporation’s pledge to transparency and due diligence in the PPP process, noting that one of the strategic priorities of the LWC Strategic Business Plan (2025–2030) is to revive mini and micro waterworks annually with private sector collaboration.
The General Manager expressed confidence that the pilot scheme will be a turning point for water supply in Lagos. If successful, additional mini and micro waterworks will be rehabilitated in phases. “We cannot continue to do things the same way and expect different results. This pilot marks the beginning of a new era of effective service delivery for Lagos residents”, he stated.
The Executive Director, Operations, Engr. (Mrs.) Helen Omolanke Taiwo, further clarified that the PPP is not privatisation, saying “LWC retains full ownership of all water assets. The PPP introduces private sector support only to improve efficiency and service delivery.”
Addressing staff concerns about job security, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Hakeem Kosoko, encouraged staff to embrace growth and capacity-building. “This is about integration. Improve your skills, enhance your job outputs, and demonstrate competence to meet the challenges ahead”, he advised.