Lagos State is taking another step to strengthen public water infrastructure with plans to install a water transmission pipeline beneath the Lagos Lagoon to supply potable water to the rapidly growing Lekki Concession Area.
The project follows the signing of a one-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lagos State Government, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), and Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited. According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the agreement took immediate effect and provides a framework for defining and scoping two strategic water projects.
The first project involves the installation of the underwater transmission pipeline into the Lekki Concession Area. The second will define downstream water distribution within the concession, including metering systems and last-mile connections to households and businesses.
Wahab said the engagement will deliver a comprehensive technical report and implementation framework, while laying the foundation for a concession agreement between the state government and the consortium. The objective is to improve potable water supply and enhance service delivery, particularly across the Lekki corridor.
CHEC was represented at the signing by Executive Director Luke Lin and members of its executive team, while Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited was represented by Executive Director Remi Agbowu, Managing Director Kole Funsho, and other board members. Also present were Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite; Lagos Water Corporation Managing Director, Mukhtaar Tijani; Executive Director, Operations, Lanke Taiwo; and other state officials.
The Lekki initiative is part of a programme to expand water infrastructure across Lagos. Rehabilitation of the Iju, Adiyan and Akute water intakes is ongoing, with capacity utilisation expected to reach 60% by August 2026. Construction of the 70-million-gallons-per-day Adiyan II Water Treatment Plant is about 85% complete and is projected to provide potable water to an additional three million residents, particularly in western Lagos.
The state is also rehabilitating five mini and micro waterworks for completion by November 2026, while piloting a public-private partnership across seven mini and micro waterworks grouped into four lots. In addition, the Lagos Water Corporation is digitising its distribution network to reduce non-revenue water and improve water security.
According to the state, about 1.5 million residents are actively served by the public water system, while the existing network covers 44% of Lagos. The ministry says the coverage reflects areas with physical access to the network, although many properties are yet to receive direct household connections. Communities currently served include Akilo, Parkview Estate, parts of Lekki Phase 1 and Abesan.
Despite ongoing improvements, some residents in Lekki, Ajah and neighbouring communities still rely on boreholes, water tankers, packaged water and household purification systems because of last-mile connection gaps and water quality challenges.
If implemented as planned, the proposed underwater pipeline and accompanying investments will further expand Lagos' capacity to provide safe and reliable potable water to its growing population.
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