Convening international and local expertise to tackle critical water challenges in Lagos

The analysis is set to confirm that rapid economic growth, a rising population, and the impacts of climate change are all affecting the water supply of Lagos and must be addressed if this global economic hub is to continue to grow and prosper.

Pollution from untreated water, sea level rise and industrial processes are potentially undermining the city’s groundwater supply, and flooding is made worse by the refuse blocking its gutters and drains. If protected, this same groundwater could act as a vital buffer to preventing increasingly severe impacts of climate change.

Key water sector stakeholders in the State met on Tuesday 26 September for a crucial water summit to discuss this analysis and prioritise areas for action, including the lack of data on water resources, and the barriers in investing in water infrastructure and services which are worsening these issues.

Stakeholders included Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Lagos Water Cooperation, Lagos State Waste Management Office, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Lagos State Resilience Office, development partners and civil society organizations.

Once there is an agreed approach, the Resilient Water Accelerator, supported by the Nigerian, United Kingdom and Dutch Governments, will facilitate the development and design of a sustainable response to these issues, and work with donors and investors to attract much needed finance.

This builds on a year of engagement to help identify the major risks to the city as part of the Resilient Water Accelerator initiative – a collaboration with local actors and sectors supporting climate-vulnerable communities to secure clean and reliable water resources and services.