In Lagos State, access to clean water and sanitation has long been a persistent challenge for residents. To address these enduring issues, stakeholders recently gathered in Lagos for a significant event marking World Water Day and the launch of the Lagos Urban WASH (LUWASH) Programme. Supported by USAID, this initiative represents a crucial step forward in seeking sustainable solutions to the complex challenges facing the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in Lagos.
Led by government officials, international partners, civil society organisations and community leaders, the gathering underscored the critical role of water in fostering peace, cooperation and socioeconomic development. In his address, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised the fundamental importance of water as a human right and stressed the urgent need for collective action to address inequalities in access to clean water. Drawing attention to the intricate relationship between water scarcity and conflict, he highlighted the potential of water diplomacy to bridge divides and build lasting partnerships.
Similarly, Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, emphasised the pivotal role of water in fostering peace and cooperation among communities. He lauded the newly approved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Policy as a guiding framework for equitable distribution of clean water and sanitation services, reaffirming the commitment to leave no one behind in the quest for water security and peace. Highlighting the efforts of the LUWASH programme, Wahab showcased innovative interventions and partnerships aimed at improving water infrastructure, enhancing sanitation services, and empowering communities to take ownership of their water resources. The program’s support for various activities within the Water Sector MDAs, including capacity building and rehabilitation of water works, reflects a holistic approach to water management and underscores the dedication to promoting water security and sustainability in urban areas.
During a recent event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MOEWR), Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, shed light on Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the WASH Policy 2023. This policy represents a significant milestone in streamlining the previously fragmented WASH sector, emphasising crucial governance reforms, sectoral coordination, institutional role clarification, and service decentralisation. Tajudeen emphasised the proactive and structured approach adopted by the government in executing this policy. Key initiatives include the establishment of a planning committee tasked with overseeing implementation, holding quarterly review meetings to monitor progress, and organising an upcoming workshop aimed at delving deeper into the policy’s intricacies. These policy-level initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to addressing complexities within the WASH sector and signify a significant step towards achieving sustainable and equitable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services for all residents of Lagos State.
In a comprehensive overview of regulatory efforts within the WASH sector, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Funke Adepoju, highlighted steps taken to establish a robust regulatory framework. The framework is designed to imbue the sector with a culture of regulation, ensuring adherence to set standards and promoting the entitlement of consumers to quality services. Key initiatives highlighted by Adepoju include the establishment of service standards, which serve as benchmarks for service providers, ensuring consistency and reliability in service delivery. LASWARCO advocates for the consumer’s right to access quality services, emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in all aspects of service provision.
