Lagos, WaterAid Launch Five-Year ‘Team Water Nigeria Project’ to Boost Clean Water Access for Millions

The Lagos State Government and WaterAid Nigeria have launched a major five-year initiative aimed at improving access to clean and safe water for residents across Lagos, Africa’s largest city.

The project, titled “Team Water Nigeria,” was unveiled on March 24, 2026, in Ikeja, and is expected to strengthen urban water infrastructure while expanding access to potable water in underserved communities.

With a population estimated at over 22 million, Lagos faces significant challenges in providing reliable public water supply. Currently, only about 10 percent of residents are connected to municipal water systems, leaving the majority dependent on private boreholes and informal water vendors.

Officials say the new initiative is designed to close this gap through targeted infrastructure upgrades and system expansion.

At the centre of the project is the rehabilitation of the Ojokoro Waterworks, alongside upgrades to pipeline networks within the northern region of the state’s water distribution system.

According to the Lagos Water Corporation, the project will deliver clean water to tens of thousands of additional households.

The Head of Strategy and Transformation, Engr. Titilola Oridami-Bright, said the rehabilitation of the Ojokoro facility is expected to serve approximately 72,000 customers, while improvements to the Iju–Adiyan pipeline network will extend supply to an additional 28,000 residents.

She noted that the intervention is part of broader efforts to improve equitable water access in rapidly expanding urban areas.

The Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, described water access as critical to public health, economic productivity, and human dignity.

He stressed that achieving universal access would require stronger collaboration between government, development partners, and communities, noting that public institutions alone cannot meet the city’s growing demand.

The call for partnership was also echoed during a World Water Day advocacy walk held earlier in the day, which brought together stakeholders to promote the implementation of Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy.

The Team Water Nigeria project is part of a broader global campaign led by WaterAid and supported by international partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and global donors.

Representing WaterAid Nigeria, Kolawole Banwo described the initiative as a government-led programme, with the Lagos Water Corporation providing primary leadership.

He noted that funding was mobilised through global crowdfunding efforts involving digital creators and social media campaigns, highlighting a growing trend of citizen-driven support for development projects.

Stakeholders emphasised that long-term success will depend not only on infrastructure but also on sustainability and community ownership.

Amaka Godfrey of WaterAid International called on residents to connect to the rehabilitated water systems and pay for services to ensure proper maintenance and continuity.

She also stressed the importance of transparency and public accountability, urging the media and citizens to monitor project implementation.

At the local level, community leaders have pledged support for the initiative. Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Oluyemisi Rosiji, said residents and community development associations would be mobilised to embrace the project and ensure its success.

As part of activities marking World Water Day 2026, water officials also carried out awareness campaigns across Lagos, focusing on the theme “Water and Gender.”

The campaign highlighted the role of inclusive water access in improving health outcomes, education, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable groups.

Residents were also encouraged to adopt water conservation practices, reduce wastage, and limit excessive borehole drilling due to its long-term impact on groundwater resources.

The launch of the Team Water Nigeria project underscores growing efforts to modernise water infrastructure in Lagos and improve access to safe, affordable water.

As urban populations continue to rise, stakeholders say sustained investment, policy implementation, and community participation will be critical to building a resilient and inclusive water supply system.