The Lagos State Government has announced plans to concession seven mini and micro waterworks to private investors as part of efforts to boost potable water supply in the state.
The initiative is part of the state’s 2025-2030 Strategic Business Plan, aimed at improving access to clean water for millions of Lagos residents.
The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) will execute the project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) designed to rehabilitate, upgrade, and operate the facilities in lots to financially capable investors. According to the Managing Director of LWC, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, the initiative will bring in private sector financing, expertise, and innovation to revive Lagos’ water supply system, which has suffered years of underinvestment.
The pilot scheme will cover waterworks in Lekki, Akilo, Victoria Island Annex, Magodo, Abesan, Alexander, and Apapa. Tijani noted that only six of the state’s 48 mini and micro waterworks are currently functional, underscoring the urgency for reform. “This initiative will bring in private sector financing, expertise, and innovation to revive Lagos’ water supply system, which has suffered years of underinvestment,” he explained.
The LWC has assured that the scheme is not privatization, as ownership of the assets will remain with the state government. Instead, private operators will manage rehabilitation and operations to improve efficiency and service delivery. The bidding process will strictly follow the Lagos State Public Procurement Law of 2012 to ensure transparency and accountability.
Tijani also gave assurances of job security for LWC staff, urging them to embrace capacity-building opportunities and improved productivity. “If the pilot scheme succeeds, more waterworks will be rehabilitated in phases, with the goal of expanding access to potable water for millions of Lagos residents,” he said.
The state’s efforts to improve water supply are expected to have a significant impact on the lives of millions of Lagos residents. With the partnership with private investors, the state hopes to leverage their expertise and resources to deliver better services and improve the overall water supply system.
