00:00Can privatizing Lagos water supply solve the city's water problems or create new ones?
00:05Imagine spending 1 million naira drilling a borehole only for government policies to change how you
00:10access water. In February 2017, a controversial Lagos Environment Bill proposed penalties for
00:17unauthorized boreholes and allowing neighbors fetch water from private homes. Residents reportedly
00:22faced 6 months in prison or a 100,000-air fine. Following public outcry, those provisions were
00:28removed. Now, in 2026, residents in Barua and Akilo have raised concerns about irregular water supply,
00:36low units and many other challenges as it relates to using these prepared meters. These problems have
00:42raised concerns about the government's wider plans to bring private companies into Lagos State's water
00:48sector. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa have opposed the move
00:53warning that it could increase water bills, make access poorer for the average Nigerian and take
00:59away jobs and pension. They believe water is public, water is life and life is not for sale. But can
01:05private companies fix Lagos water problems? Who will make sure they deliver reliable service? And what
01:10happens if they fail?
