Lagos Seals Water Supply Deal With Chinese Firms
The Lagos State Government has strengthened its efforts to improve access to clean drinking water by entering into a strategic partnership with a Chinese-led consortium to develop critical water infrastructure across the state.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), brings together China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited to drive investments in water production, treatment and distribution, with the goal of expanding potable water access for millions of residents.
The signing ceremony, led by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, marks another milestone in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s infrastructure development agenda. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the collaboration reflects the state’s commitment to tackling persistent water shortages caused by rapid urbanisation and population growth.
According to Wahab, Lagos requires bold investments and innovative partnerships to bridge its widening water supply gap and guarantee reliable access to safe drinking water for households, businesses and industries.
Under the agreement, the consortium will provide technical expertise, engineering capacity and financing support to modernise the state’s water infrastructure. The project is expected to improve operational efficiency, expand treatment facilities and strengthen the overall distribution network, enhancing long-term water security.
The initiative also aligns with Lagos’ Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy, which seeks to attract private-sector investment into essential infrastructure while improving public service delivery. State officials believe the collaboration will help reduce reliance on alternative water sources, improve sanitation and support economic development through a more dependable water supply.
As Africa’s largest city continues to experience rapid population growth, demand for potable water has increasingly outstripped existing production capacity. The state government says the new partnership is expected to accelerate the delivery of sustainable water projects, improve living standards and reinforce Lagos’ position as a resilient and investment-friendly megacity.
