Lagos, WaterAid unveil project to improve access to clean water
By Our Reporters WATERAID Nigeria, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has unveiled the “Team Water Nigeria” Project, a major initiative aimed at improving access to clean and safe
By Our Reporters
WATERAID Nigeria, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has unveiled the “Team Water Nigeria” Project, a major initiative aimed at improving access to clean and safe water across Lagos State.
The project was officially launched on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Shoregate Hotels, Ikeja.
This five-year initiative forms part of the global Team Water campaign and is focused on the rehabilitation of the Ojokoro Waterworks, alongside the expansion of pipeline infrastructure within the Lagos Water Corporation's Northern Business Region.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Mukhtaar Temitope Tijani, described water as essential to health, dignity, and economic productivity. He noted that the project would significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve water quality, and reduce distribution losses.
Tijani reaffirmed the Corporation's commitment to sustaining and expanding water infrastructure, emphasising that the project would greatly improve water supply for residents. He also expressed appreciation to WaterAid, donors, and development partners, while calling for sustained collaboration to bridge the water access gap in Lagos.
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Earlier in the day, the Managing Director called for more and stronger collaboration in the actualisation of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Policy. He stressed that the government alone cannot meet the water demands of Lagos State's over 22 million residents.
He made this call during an advocacy and legislative walk from the Lagos State House of Assembly to the State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. The walk was organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria to commemorate the 2026 World Water Day.
Speaking further, he commended WaterAid Nigeria for its continued partnership and contributions toward the successful implementation of the WASH Policy.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Strategy and Transformation at Lagos Water Corporation, Mrs. Titilola Oridami-Bright, stated that the rehabilitation of the Ojokoro Waterworks would provide clean water to approximately 72,000 customers.
She added that improvements to the Iju–Adiyan pipeline network would extend potable water supply to an additional 28,000 residents. According to her, the project aligns with efforts to address water access challenges in rapidly urbanising areas.
“Lagos, with over 22 million residents, faces significant water supply gaps, with only about 10 percent currently accessing municipal water services. This project will expand equitable water access through infrastructure rehabilitation and network expansion,” she said.
In her remarks, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Ms. Evelyn Mere, represented by Mr. Kolawole Banwo, described the initiative as government-led, with Lagos Water Corporation providing primary leadership.
She highlighted the project as a milestone in WaterAid's urban water supply interventions in Lagos, building on previous successes such as the Akilo Waterworks. She also noted that the initiative was developed through collaboration across WaterAid's global network, with support from WaterAid UK and WaterAid America.
According to her, funding for the project was mobilised through global crowdfunding efforts involving creators and social media influencers under the Team Water campaign. She emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to best practices throughout the project lifecycle.
Also speaking, Ms. Amaka Godfrey of WaterAid International stressed the importance of sustainability and community participation in ensuring the success of the project. She urged residents to connect to the rehabilitated system and pay for services to enable effective maintenance and long-term sustainability.
“If residents expect free connections, the Corporation may not have sufficient resources to sustain the infrastructure,” she noted.
She further called on the media and the public to actively monitor the project and hold stakeholders accountable, emphasising the role of accurate reporting in preventing misinformation.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs. Oluyemisi Adenike Rosiji, assured stakeholders of strong community support. She noted that local leaders, councillors, and community development associations would mobilise residents to embrace the initiative.
