The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an underwater water transmission pipeline beneath the Lagos Lagoon to improve potable water supply to the rapidly expanding Lekki Concession Area.
The agreement, signed with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited, marks the first step in a broader water infrastructure programme aimed at expanding access to clean water across the corridor.
Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, announced the development after the signing ceremony.
According to Wahab, the one-year MoU, which takes immediate effect, provides the framework for designing and defining two major water infrastructure projects.
The first project involves constructing a water transmission pipeline beneath the Lagos Lagoon to convey treated water into the Lekki Concession Area.
The second focuses on developing the downstream distribution network, including the installation of water meters and last-mile connections to homes and businesses. “The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Harbour Engineering Company and Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited to commence the scoping and definition of key components of the state’s water infrastructure development programme,” Wahab said.
The commissioner said the one-year engagement is expected to produce a detailed technical report and implementation framework that will pave the way for a concession agreement between the state government and the consortium.
He noted that the projects are designed to improve potable water supply and enhance service delivery, particularly in the fast-growing Lekki axis, where demand for water continues to rise.
CHEC was represented at the signing by its Executive Director, Luke Lin, while Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited was represented by Executive Director Remi Agbowu, Managing Director Kole Funsho and other board members.
Senior Lagos State officials, including Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite, Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation, Mukhtaar Tijani, and Executive Director of Operations, Lanke Taiwo, also attended the ceremony.
The proposed projects form part of the Lagos State Government’s wider efforts to improve water production and distribution across the state.
The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources recently disclosed that rehabilitation of the Iju, Adiyan and Akute water intake facilities is progressing, with production capacity expected to reach 60% by August 2026.
Construction of the 70-million-gallons-per-day Adiyan II Water Treatment Plant is also about 85% complete. Once operational, the facility is expected to provide potable water to an additional three million residents, particularly in western Lagos.
The state is also rehabilitating five mini and micro waterworks scheduled for completion by November 2026, while piloting public-private partnerships across seven additional facilities.
In addition, the Lagos Water Corporation is digitising its distribution network to reduce water losses, improve operational efficiency and strengthen water security.
