Lagos water privatisation concerns raised by African coalition

The Our Water, Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC) has expressed strong opposition to the privatisation and commercialisation of water services, warning that such moves could deny poor populations access to an essential human right. During the Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation 2026 held in Lagos, the coalition rejected prepaid water metering systems and urged African governments to strengthen publicly funded water systems instead of relying on profit-driven management.

In Lagos specifically, activists and development groups warned that privatising water services could deepen inequality. They argued that private operators might prioritise profitable areas while neglecting underserved communities like Ajegunle and Makoko. Rufus Olusesan, president of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), called on the Lagos State Government to allocate at least five per cent of its annual budget to water infrastructure, noting that current allocations are reportedly below one per cent.

The coalition also demanded increased transparency regarding water-related contracts, tariffs, and expenditures. They advocated for the rehabilitation of existing waterworks, such as the Iju, Adiyan, and Ishasi facilities, and called for meaningful community participation in decisions concerning water resources to ensure universal access to safe and affordable sanitation.