Despite the significant financial investment by the Lagos State Government in water provision, many residents continue to rely on wells, boreholes, and sachet or bottled water to meet their daily needs. This investigative report explores the gaps in the public water system and highlights the urgent need for improvements to ensure access to safe water for all.
A Daily Struggle for Water
On a typical morning in Owode-Orile, a thick fog envelops the community, making it difficult to see more than a few meters ahead. Amidst the mist, a woman named Bola Thomas is seen drawing water from a well, her baby strapped to her back. She is not alone—seven other residents wait in line, each hoping to collect enough water for their families.
“This is nothing,” Thomas says. “This is the struggle we go through every day just to get water to our houses.”
The well serves as the only reliable source of water for many residents in Owode-Orile and surrounding communities such as Ojajini, Ayenuwa, and Mile 12. Despite being located in a state surrounded by water, Lagos continues to face severe challenges in providing clean and accessible water to its citizens.
Massive Investments, Minimal Results
Over the past six years, the Lagos State Government has allocated billions of naira towards water provision. In 2020 alone, N5.891bn was spent on waterworks, with additional funds allocated in subsequent years. By 2025, the budget for water supply reached an impressive N53.386bn.
However, despite these substantial investments, the impact on residents remains minimal. Many still depend on private boreholes, unhygienic wells, and sachet or bottled water. The lack of progress raises questions about where the money went and whether it was effectively utilized.
Global Context: SDG Goal 6
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. According to the UN, global water demand is increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate water scarcity, making it even more critical to invest in infrastructure and sustainable practices.
In Nigeria, the WASHNORM 2021 Survey Report indicates that tubewells and boreholes are the primary sources of drinking water for 37% of the population. However, in Lagos, 34% of households rely on water contaminated with E. coli, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.
The State of Lagos Waterworks
Lagos faces significant challenges in its water infrastructure. According to the WASHNORM 2021 report, Nigeria’s installed waterworks capacity is 8,058,150 cubic metres per day, but actual operational capacity is only 1,975,073 cubic metres—about 25% utilization.
For Lagos, the situation is particularly dire. Major waterworks operate far below capacity, leaving millions without access to safe water. For example, the Isheri Oshun Waterworks has zero utilization, while the Adiyan Waterworks operates at just 4.21% of its capacity. Even the Iju Waterworks, the most functional of the three, operates at only 48.19% of its capacity.
Community Dependence on Private Sources
In Owode-Orile, elderly residents rely on water vendors, known as Meruwa, because they cannot draw water from deep wells themselves. The cost of water varies depending on location, with prices ranging from N200 to N300 per gallon.
Residents like Samuel recall long periods of power outages that make it impossible to use private water sources. The Chairman of the Owode-Orile Landlords Association, Toby Agbede, emphasized the community’s frustration with politicians who promise solutions but fail to deliver.
The Broader Impact
The water crisis in Lagos extends beyond Owode-Orile. Similar situations are reported across the state, with residents relying on sachet water and private boreholes. Public affairs analyst Kolawole Banwo described the crisis as “hydra-headed,” pointing to issues such as centralization, road construction, and delays in repairs.
Banwo also criticized the high non-revenue water rate, estimated at 40%, and the slow procurement of chemicals and equipment. He called for decentralized, independent water utilities capable of cost recovery and immediate fault resolution.
Dangers of Neglect
Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative, warned that the lack of safe water is pushing residents into dangerous alternatives. He highlighted the risks associated with indiscriminate borehole drilling and the contamination of surface wells.
Jakpor stressed the importance of government responsibility in ensuring that pipelines are properly laid and maintained. He warned that broken pipelines can lead to sewage contamination and diseases like cholera.
Government Response
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the government’s efforts to find solutions. He mentioned ongoing projects such as the Adiyan Waterworks Phase II and a new waterworks in Agege-Akilo, which are expected to serve millions of residents.
However, communities across Lagos continue to question when the pipes will finally run beneath their streets and bring water into their homes.
