Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised concerns over the Lagos State Government’s plan to concession parts of its water supply system to private investors through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
In a statement on Wednesday, CAPPA warned that the initiative could undermine residents’ access to safe and affordable water and urged broader consultation with citizens before policy commitments are finalised.
The Lagos Office of Public-Private Partnerships had announced that the scheme would begin with a pilot concession covering about 10 per cent of the state’s water assets. Members of the State House of Assembly have also pledged support for enabling legal amendments.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, noted that a Request for Proposals (RFP No. LSWC/BFOT/001/2025) has already been issued for the rehabilitation, upgrade, and operation of mini and micro waterworks under a Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer model.
“Public engagement should precede, not follow, major policy and investment commitments,” Oluwafemi said.
The group referenced earlier agreements, including an April 2025 memorandum of understanding with Belstar Capital and ENKA, as well as the 2024 launch of the Lagos Water Partnership, and called for greater transparency on financing and safeguards.
While the Lagos Water Corporation has insisted that PPPs do not amount to privatisation, CAPPA argued that such arrangements could influence tariffs and cede operational control. It pointed to international cases where cities reversed concessions and returned to publicly managed water systems.
As alternatives, CAPPA proposed strengthening public-public partnerships, rebuilding technical capacity in-house, and ensuring that access to water remains the overriding priority. It also urged the state government to engage widely with stakeholders before moving forward.
