By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Government is exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to address the state’s increasing demand for water, driven by rapid urbanization and population growth.
This initiative, which aims to attract investment and improve water service delivery, was the focus of a two-day stakeholders’ meeting that began last Thursday, organized by the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) with support from WaterAid Nigeria.
The government maintains that the partnership is a strategic collaboration, not an attempt to privatize water resources.
According to officials, the PPP framework will combine public oversight with private sector innovation and investment to boost production, reduce water losses, and improve distribution to underserved communities.
The initiative will be piloted through selected mini and micro waterworks.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, the Special Adviser to the Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources, said the partnership is a critical step in achieving universal access to clean water.
He emphasized that the state recognizes the need for substantial capital investment and operational efficiency, which can be enhanced through strategic partnerships.
Other speakers, including Mr. Mahamood Adegbite and Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, both Permanent Secretaries, highlighted that funding shortages and a reduction in foreign support have made it necessary to be innovative in funding the water sector.
They stressed that the government’s vision is to guarantee uninterrupted access to clean and safe water for all residents.
The Managing Director of the LWC, Mr. Mukhtaar Tijani, reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing the water sector and assured stakeholders of transparent procurement processes and strong regulatory oversight.
The Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, commended the state for its efforts and urged the government to use the Akilo water scheme management model as a blueprint for resuscitation.
