The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission organized the 5th Lagos International Water Conference with the theme “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos”.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized the crucial role of water resources in maintaining a safe and livable environment in Lagos, given the city’s aquatic nature. He highlighted the challenges of water management and the need for practical actions to address them effectively.

The Lagos State Government has been working to address water management issues through regulatory frameworks, public-private partnerships, and international collaborations to improve water and sanitation sectors. According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, efforts have been made to enhance coordination between service providers and environmental authorities, leading to advancements in water and sanitation services.

The Governor acknowledged the contributions of international partners in supporting Lagos’ water programs and stressed the need for tangible outcomes and solutions rather than just discussions. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond rhetoric to real progress and impact in the water sector, prioritizing action and results over mere exchanges of contacts and emails.

Sanwo-Olu called for meaningful outcomes from the annual water conference, urging stakeholders to focus on implementing solutions rather than engaging in repetitive discussions. He highlighted the importance of practical skills and expertise in addressing water issues effectively, emphasizing the need for collaboration and action to achieve tangible results.

The Governor advocated for a shift from traditional approaches to more proactive and impactful strategies in water resource management, ensuring a sustainable and livable environment for Lagos residents.

Funke Adepoju, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, stressed the importance of sustainable water and sanitation solutions in Lagos, highlighting the need for adequate financial resources to support infrastructure development.

Adepoju emphasized that the Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC) has been instrumental in addressing challenges in the sector, ensuring access to essential services for all residents.

She pointed out that the event has made significant progress in addressing governance challenges, advocating for budgetary provisions, and promoting private sector involvement.

She explained that past conferences have focused on strengthening regulation, budgetary provisions, political will, and developing a sanitation master plan.

Funke Adepoju added that the collaboration between stakeholders, service providers, and regulatory authorities has improved service delivery and infrastructure renewal,

She announced that LIWAC 2024 aims to develop innovative financing models, create a comprehensive WASH framework, and foster collaboration for sustainable solutions.

Adepoju revealed that distinguished speakers will share insights on global challenges and successes in the water and sanitation sector, she highlighted that keynote presentations will explore transformative journeys in Metro Manila, private sector investment in Lagos, and successful financing models in Kenya, as announced by Funke Adepoju.

She emphasized that the expected outcomes include actionable strategies to contribute to broader WASH goals in Lagos and the water sector, as emphasized by Funke Adepoju.

Funke Adepoju reiterated that the Lagos State Government remains committed to improving access and funding for water and sanitation through collaborative efforts, prioritizing the well-being of its residents and the sustainability of the sector, as reaffirmed by Funke Adepoju.

Prof. Joseph Terulumun Ustev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, He stressed the significance of water as a vital resource and commended the Governor of Lagos State, the organizers and stakeholders for their efforts.

He noted that providing clean water and sanitation is crucial for economic development and social equity, particularly in a populous city like Lagos, which faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and reliance on informal water sources, leading to health risks.

The Minister highlighted public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a key strategy for financing water and sanitation projects in Lagos. These partnerships involve collaboration between the government and private sector to improve infrastructure, attract investments, and ensure sustainable service delivery.

He added that financial initiatives and community-based approaches, such as microfinance institutions and community organizations, offer promising avenues for financing projects at the grassroots level. By leveraging private sector expertise and capital, the Government can address challenges in water and sanitation infrastructure and expand coverage to underserved areas.

He emphasized that the conference aimed to provide valuable insights and solutions to the multifaceted challenges faced by Lagos in water and sanitation, including climate change, rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and population growth, which contribute to environmental pollution and public health hazards.

Prof. Joseph Terulumun Ustev stressed that innovative financing mechanisms and collaborative efforts are essential to overcome these challenges and ensure a greater Lagos that is inclusive, healthy, and prosperous.

Barr. Tokunbo Wahab, Honorable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, addressed the 5th Edition of the Lagos International Water Conference, emphasizing the importance of water as a fundamental resource for sustaining life and societal development. The conference, themed “Financing Water for a Greater Lagos,” focuses on finding innovative ways to finance and manage water resources to meet the needs of the growing population.

Barr. Tokunbo Wahab explained that as the population of Lagos continues to increase, the demand for water resources rises, putting pressure on existing infrastructure. Adequate financing is crucial for improving water infrastructure, governance frameworks, promoting water conservation, and enhancing the resilience of water systems in the face of challenges like climate change.

Barr. Tokunbo Wahab encouraged active engagement in discussions, sharing experiences, and contributing ideas to shape a sustainable water future for the city. The goal is to identify best practices, build partnerships, and address broader issues related to water governance, capacity building, and community engagement in an inclusive and equitable manner.

Melissa Jones, USAID Nigeria Mission Director, drew parallels between California and Lagos, emphasizing the crucial role of leadership and partnerships in driving progress. She expressed gratitude for the support towards water and sanitation initiatives in Nigeria, acknowledging the significant challenges faced in Lagos where a large percentage of the population lacks access to clean water and sanitation services.

According to Melissa Jones, USAID plans to collaborate with stakeholders to improve access to water and sanitation services, focusing on supporting WASH activities and transforming the sector over the next five years. This effort aims to address the critical issues affecting Lagos, where many residents struggle to access basic necessities.

The Lagos State Government has already demonstrated its commitment to addressing these challenges by taking steps to enhance water and sanitation services. Melissa Jones commended this effort and emphasized the importance of continued leadership and partnerships in driving progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Michel Deelen, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, emphasized the strong connection between the Netherlands and Lagos State in terms of water management. He highlighted the role of the Institute for Water Education in Delft, Netherlands, which has trained personnel from Lagos State Water Corporation and the Ministry of Water. The Netherlands, being a flat country with water issues, shares similarities with Nigeria and Lagos in facing water-related challenges.

Deelen referenced a Nigerian philosopher’s statement about water purity and the importance of clean water. He stressed the significance of addressing waterborne diseases, water treatment, sewage treatment plants, coastal protection, and technology transfer. The impact of climate change on water management was also discussed, particularly in relation to drainage systems during the rainy season in Lagos.

The Consul General emphasized the need for a systematic approach to managing water infrastructure in Lagos, including cleaning gutters clogged with debris and plastics. He highlighted the existing infrastructure in the city and the importance of enforcing regulations to prevent recurring issues with flooding. Deelen underscored the necessity of maintaining the drainage system to avoid annual challenges caused by blocked gutters and inadequate waste management practices.