By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has revealed that 1.5 million residents are currently served by the public water system, representing 44% coverage across the state.
In an interview with Nairametrics, the ministry clarified that while 44% of residents have physical access to the water network managed by the Lagos Water Corporation, not all are directly connected to household taps.
Some residents receive water and pay for it, others receive supply without payment, while many still require last-mile connections to access the mains.
Areas currently benefiting from the network include Akilo, Parkview Estate, parts of Lekki Phase 1, and Abesan.
However, officials acknowledged that proximity to pipelines does not always guarantee consistent supply, as additional connections are needed to fully integrate households into the system.
To expand access, the state government is rehabilitating key water facilities, including the Iju, Adiyan, and Akute intakes. Capacity utilisation at these plants is projected to reach 60% by August 2026.
The 70-million-gallons-per-day Adiyan II Water Treatment Plant is about 85% complete and is expected to provide water to an additional three million residents, particularly in western Lagos.
Five mini and micro waterworks are also undergoing rehabilitation, with completion slated for November 2026. In addition, a public-private partnership model is being piloted across seven smaller waterworks grouped into four lots.
The Lagos Water Corporation is simultaneously digitalising its distribution network to curb water losses and improve supply reliability.
Despite expansion efforts, supply interruptions persist. In January 2026, residents in Ikeja, Ogudu and surrounding areas experienced temporary disruptions due to repairs at the Adiyan I Water Treatment Plant and the Akute Intake Station.
A year earlier, a pipeline leak near Maryland Mall affected supply from the Iju and Adiyan I facilities, which together account for roughly 40% of the state’s water output.
Experts warn that boosting production alone will not resolve Lagos’ water challenges. Independent researcher Tonami Playman noted that many residents depend on private boreholes, raising concerns about soil compaction and land subsidence in areas such as Lekki.
Public health expert Dr. Doyin Odubanjo added that borehole water in Lagos often contains microbial and chemical contaminants, underscoring the need for reliable centralised treatment systems.
Although official figures show 44% coverage, many households continue to rely on tanker services, bottled water, or home purification systems due to gaps in last-mile connectivity and inconsistent supply.
The situation highlights the broader challenge of expanding infrastructure while ensuring reliable and safe water access for Lagos’ growing population.