…Commissioner Wahab Highlights Community Impact and Transparency Measures
Babajide FADOJU
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that the 140-million-gallon-per-day Adiyan Water Scheme is on track for completion next year, signalling a major boost for clean water access in Lagos State. The announcement came during an inspection tour of key water infrastructure projects, alongside the commissioning of a rehabilitated mini-waterworks in Ogba.
During a site visit to the Adiyan Waterworks Phase I and II in Ogun State on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that the two facilities, each with a 70-million-gallon daily capacity, would be fully operational by the end of 2025. He emphasised that the project aligns with his administration’s commitment to providing reliable, potable water for all residents.
“When completed, this will change everything about water production and usage in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu stated, noting that over eight kilometres of pipes have already been laid following the acquisition of rights of way and payment of compensations in collaboration with Ogun State.
Earlier in the day, the Governor commissioned the newly rehabilitated Akilo Mini Waterworks in Ogba—a one-million-gallon-per-day facility revived through a partnership between the Lagos State Water Corporation and WaterAid Nigeria under the Urban Water and Sanitation Access Project (UWASAP). The plant is expected to serve over 100,000 residents in Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, and adjoining communities.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, commended WaterAid Nigeria for the intervention, describing the Akilo project as a milestone in improving water governance and raising living standards. He outlined new features including a modern control room, overhead tanks, automated water kiosks, and integrated meters designed to ensure efficient and transparent management.
Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, confirmed plans to replicate the model, starting with the rehabilitation of Ojokoro Waterworks. The Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, and the Ologba of Ogba, Oba Egbeyemi Oladimeji, praised the initiative, urging the community to protect the facility and support sustainable water use.
Governor Sanwo-Olu echoed the call for community ownership, advising residents against pipe vandalism and meter bypassing to ensure the longevity of the new infrastructure.