The Lagos State Government says 1.5 million residents are currently served by the public water system, representing 44 per cent coverage across the state’s water network.
In an exclusive interview with Nairametrics, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources clarified that while 44 per cent of residents have physical access to water infrastructure, not all are fully connected to household taps.
“Current coverage levels and population connected to the Lagos Water Corporation supply are 44 per cent and 1.5 million people. Out of this, some residents receive water and pay for it, some receive water without paying, while others are not tapped into the mains and require last-mile connections,” the ministry stated.
Areas currently served include Akilo, Parkview Estate, parts of Lekki Phase 1, and Abesan, among others.
To improve supply and expand access, the state is undertaking several major projects:
- Rehabilitation of the Iju, Adiyan, and Akute intakes, with capacity utilisation expected to rise to 60 per cent by August 2026.
- Construction of the 70 million gallons-per-day Adiyan II Water Treatment Plant, now about 85 per cent complete. The plant is projected to serve an additional three million residents, particularly in western Lagos.
- Rehabilitation of five mini and micro waterworks, scheduled for completion by November 2026.
- A public-private partnership pilot covering seven mini and micro waterworks grouped into four lots.
- Ongoing digitalisation of the distribution network to reduce non-revenue water and improve efficiency.
Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly boost water production and distribution capacity across the state.
Despite expansion efforts, supply disruptions remain a concern.
In January 2026, residents in Ikeja, Ogudu, and nearby areas experienced temporary outages during repairs at the Adiyan I Water Treatment Plant and the Akute Intake Station. A year earlier, a pipeline leak near Maryland Mall disrupted supply from the Iju and Adiyan I waterworks, which together account for about 40 per cent of the state’s water output.
In many affected areas, households rely on private boreholes, tanker deliveries, or packaged water while waiting for repairs or last-mile connections.
Water sector experts stress that boosting production alone will not solve Lagos’ water crisis without addressing distribution gaps and quality control.
Independent researcher Tonami Playman warned that heavy reliance on private boreholes, especially in areas like Lekki, increases risks of soil compaction and land subsidence due to groundwater over-extraction.
Public health expert Dr. Doyin Odubanjo added that borehole water in Lagos can contain microbial and chemical contaminants, making centralised treatment systems critical for public safety.
While official figures show 44 per cent network coverage, many households still lack direct tap connections. In parts of Lekki and Ajah, residents report discoloured or sediment-heavy borehole water, forcing families to spend more on tankers, bottled water, or household purification systems.
For many Lagosians, managing water supply remains a daily logistical and financial challenge, underscoring the urgent need for reliable distribution, last-mile connectivity, and sustained infrastructure investment.
