LWC EARNS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR CLIMATE-SMART WATER MANAGEMENT

*LWC EARNS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR CLIMATE-SMART WATER MANAGEMENT*

_*…as Sanwo-Olu’s Transformational Leadership and Tijani’s Strategic Vision Drive Sustainable Water Infrastructure and Service Delivery*_

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has earned international recognition under the International Water Association’s (IWA) 2026 Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme, underscoring its commitment to building a sustainable, efficient and climate-resilient water supply system for Lagos State.

The recognition was conferred at the IWA’s 2026 World Water Congress and Exhibition, held in Glasgow, United Kingdom (UK), from October 4 to 8, 2026.

It acknowledges LWC’s ongoing efforts across climate adaptation, mitigation and leadership, including distribution network redesign, Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction, digital transformation and strategic initiatives to strengthen the resilience, efficiency and sustainability of water services across the State.

This international milestone reflects the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to water infrastructure development under the visionary leadership of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State. Through his administration’s THEMES+ development agenda, the State continues to prioritise infrastructure renewal, institutional reforms and sustainable public service delivery, providing strategic direction and support for initiatives that advance the water sector.

The achievement also underscores the purposeful leadership of the Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Temitope Tijani, whose strategic vision, commitment to operational efficiency, infrastructure rehabilitation and institutional strengthening continue to drive the Corporation’s transformation towards improved performance, sustainable service delivery and long-term resilience.

*OVERCOMING CHALLENGES THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS*

Despite significant funding and implementation challenges, LWC has remained steadfast in its commitment to rehabilitating critical water infrastructure and expanding access to reliable water supply across Lagos State.

In 2024, five priority waterworks were identified for rehabilitation under the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) programme, which was supported by approximately US$40 million in United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding. Following the termination of USAID-funded activities by the United States Government, the Corporation reassessed its implementation strategy and explored alternative approaches to delivering these critical infrastructure improvements.

With the continued support of the Lagos State Government and the strategic direction of its Managing Director, LWC has sustained progress on key projects, including the construction of a new mini waterworks on Lagos Island and the rehabilitation of Ajegunle Waterworks, which was among the facilities identified under the original USAID-supported programme.

The Corporation is also collaborating with TeamWater, MrBeast and WaterAid on the rehabilitation of Ojokoro Waterworks, demonstrating the importance of strategic partnerships in mobilising resources, supporting infrastructure renewal and advancing sustainable water supply solutions.

Furthermore, LWC is advancing a pilot Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative with private-sector partners to rehabilitate and operate 10 additional waterworks. The initiative is designed to encourage private-sector participation, strengthen operational efficiency and promote sustainable management of water infrastructure.

These interventions reflect the Sanwo-Olu administration’s determination to sustain progress in the water sector despite emerging challenges. They also demonstrate Engr. Tijani’s strategic commitment to exploring innovative funding mechanisms, strengthening partnerships and implementing practical solutions to improve water supply and service delivery.

*WATER SUPPLY MASTER PLAN TO GUIDE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT*

Recognising the growing demand for water arising from Lagos State’s expanding population and urban development, LWC is developing a new Water Supply Master Plan to provide a strategic roadmap for bridging the gap between water demand and supply.

The proposed plan will establish priorities across three planning horizons: short term (2026–2030), medium term (2031–2040) and long term (2041–2052).
It is expected to guide infrastructure development, investment decisions, water supply capacity expansion and the Corporation’s future operational priorities, ensuring a more coordinated and sustainable approach to meeting the State’s increasing water needs.

The initiative underscores LWC’s commitment to evidence-based planning, sustainable resource management and long-term infrastructure development. It also aligns with the Lagos State Government’s broader vision of building resilient public infrastructure capable of responding effectively to the demands of a rapidly growing population.

Under Engr. Tijani’s leadership, the Corporation continues to pursue strategic reforms and operational improvements aimed at strengthening infrastructure resilience, enhancing efficiency and positioning LWC to meet future water supply demands.

*BUILDING CAPACITY FOR A RESILIENT WATER FUTURE*

Beyond infrastructure development, LWC is investing in its workforce through technical training and capacity-building programmes for newly recruited and experienced personnel, both within Nigeria and internationally.

These programmes are designed to deepen professional expertise, promote knowledge transfer and equip personnel with the technical competencies required to implement reforms, manage modern water infrastructure and sustain improved operational standards.

This people-centred approach recognises that sustainable transformation in the water sector requires more than infrastructure and technology; it also depends on a skilled, knowledgeable and committed workforce capable of delivering lasting results.

The IWA recognition therefore represents more than an institutional milestone. It provides an opportunity for Lagos State to share its experiences with water utilities worldwide, learn from international best practices and contribute to the development of innovative, climate-smart solutions for the global water sector.

*A MILESTONE AND A CALL TO GREATER ACTION*

While celebrating this achievement, the Corporation acknowledges that significant work remains to be done to meet the growing water needs of Lagos State. The recognition serves as renewed motivation to deepen institutional reforms, strengthen strategic partnerships, accelerate infrastructure development and improve the quality, efficiency and reliability of water services.

LWC specially commends Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership, sustained commitment to infrastructure development and unwavering support for initiatives aimed at strengthening water supply and enhancing the Corporation’s institutional capacity.

His administration’s strategic direction continues to provide an important foundation for advancing the State’s water sector development objectives and building resilient infrastructure for the benefit of Lagos residents.

The Corporation also acknowledges the exemplary leadership of Engr. Mukhtaar Temitope Tijani, whose strategic foresight, dedication to institutional transformation and commitment to sustainable water infrastructure have continued to inspire progress amid complex funding and implementation challenges. His focus on operational efficiency, strategic partnerships, workforce development and long-term planning remains central to the Corporation’s drive towards improved performance and service delivery.

The Managing Director equally commends the entire LWC workforce for its dedication, resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the Corporation’s mandate.

The international recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the workforce and the progress being made across the organisation.

As Lagos Water Corporation builds on this achievement, it remains focused on developing a more efficient, sustainable and climate-resilient water supply system that responds to the needs of residents and supports the long-term development and prosperity of Lagos State.