To many people who know Lagos as a coastal city with a sizeable proportion of its land mass covered by water, launching an initiative called Lagos Water Partnership (LWP) with private sector entities, seems curious. But the state government says the action is aimed to transform its water security.

LWP, according to the state authorities is a collaborative platform that will play a vital role in shaping the future of water management and access. It is also aimed to ensure that the state’s growth is not held back by risks to water supply.

The platform was launched by the Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA), an innovative initiative dedicated to mobilising private and public finance for water projects that enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of the state, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, outlined his vision for the city of Lagos. “Lagos, already home to 20 million people, is also one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with a growth of 77 people per hour between 2010 and 2030.

He noted that despite being surrounded by wetlands, lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean, just 10 percent of people living in Lagos have access to a municipal water supply. The city is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including sea-level rise and flooding.

He noted further that the establishment of the new LWP represents a major milestone in the Resilient Water Accelerator’s mission to unlock new sources of financing for necessary climate-resilient water projects.

“This could include enhancing urban and rural water supply infrastructure, introducing innovative technologies, and spearheading the review and development of sector policies and regulations,” he said.

On his part, Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, said the LWP aligns perfectly with the state government’s vision of leveraging partnerships to improve the state’s environmental and water resources management.

According to him, by channelling private investment to complement public resources and uniting key stakeholders from both sectors, the LWP aims to create and implement a robust investment environment, stressing that the initiative is a testament to the THEMES+ agenda of Mr. Governor’s commitment to sustainable development.

The Ministry, he said, is confident that this partnership will significantly strengthen Lagos’ water resources while ensuring sustainability and top-tier performance.

Kate Hughes, the CEO of Resilient Water Accelerator, said the inauguration of the LWP marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to build resilience and ensure sustainable water access for all.

“By improving water systems, we can enhance the health, economic stability, and quality of life for the people of Lagos, reducing disease and freeing up time for education and employment opportunities. By forging partnerships and mobilising resources, we can create lasting impact and transform the water landscape in Lagos and beyond,” she added.

Ayaan Adam, CEO, AFC Capital Partners, said the Lagos Water Partnership was a template that could be used to drive a national framework for public and private partnership in water resources management.

She said the Partnership will drive resources, including innovative finance, technology and expertise into the water resources sector in Lagos State, urging all members of the LWP to prepare to do the hard work of attracting investment into the sector to the benefits of everyone in Lagos.

Lookman Oshodi, Project Director, Arctic Infrastructure, who is coordinating the partnership on behalf of Resilient Water Accelerator, said the inauguration of LWP was significant in addressing the water needs of Lagos residents.

According to him, the significance of the partnership is that it creates another milestone in the journey of bringing the private sector on board to work collaboratively with the public sector in delivering urban or critical abandoned surfaces to the residents of Lagos.

“The establishment of the new Lagos Water Partnership represents a major milestone in the Resilient Water Accelerator’s mission to unlock new sources of financing for necessary climate-resilient water projects.

This could include enhancing urban and rural water supply infrastructure, introducing innovative technologies, and spearheading the review and development of sector policies and regulations,” he added.