Lagos receives kudos for Adiyan II water project, warned against privatising water

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been commended for the Adiyan 11 water treatment plant.

The Government is however urged not to privatise the project.

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in a statement made available to Irohinoodua commended the Lagos for its significant investment in the Adiyan II Water Treatment Plant.

The project is now 80% complete.

The statement, signed by Robert Egbe, CAPPA’s Media and Communications Officer, applauded the state for its commitment.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has allocated an additional ₦20 billion in its 2025 fiscal budget to settle outstanding liabilities for the project.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, praised the state’s efforts, saying, “The steady progress on the project demonstrates that state-led and funded solutions remain the best pathway to expanding public water supply and achieving universal access to clean, safe, and affordable water for Lagosians.”

However, CAPPA warned the state Government against privatising the water supply, citing failed experiments across Africa where foreign-backed water projects collapsed due to skyrocketing costs and profit-driven policies.

“We strongly urge the Lagos State Government to resist any temptation to privatise or concession the Adiyan II project and other water treatment facilities across the state,” Oluwafemi said.

“Water is not a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder. If Adiyan II or any other public water facility is handed over to private corporations, Lagosians will suffer—higher tariffs, restricted access, and corporate exploitation.”

The organisation also cautioned against relying on external financiers, citing the recent withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from Lagos’ water sector.

“The decisions made today will determine whether water remains a public good accessible to all Lagosians, or whether it becomes a luxury available only to those who can afford it.” Group mentioned

Source: Irohinodua