By Ayodeji Awolesi, IG&R SG member
Two things became clear when I started working in the water sector in Lagos State, Nigeria (West Africa) about twenty-five years ago: clean water is essential for life, and polluted water can be fatal. From available data, an estimated 1 out of 9 children under the age of five die per year, while over 100,000 deaths in the country are attributed to diseases due to unsafe water and sanitation as well as poor hygiene. Also, the prevalence rate of stunting in children under 5 years is estimated at 32%, attributed to frequent bouts of diarrhoea, which limit nutrient absorption [1].
Despite abundant water resources, Nigeria faces a paradox of scarcity due to pollution and poor management. Water quality has been significantly compromised in the country by oil spills, especially in the Niger Delta, agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and inadequate sanitation, among other factors [2]. This is where regulation steps in, not as an obstacle but as a lifesaving intervention.
Regulation: The Hidden Framework
Lagos State, along with some of the other 35 states and the federal capital territory (Abuja) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has established water regulatory frameworks. Water regulation takes into consideration the laws and policies that oversee water quality, availability, pricing, and distribution. Specifically, in the Lagos water sector, the governance structure is essentially driven by public utilities such as the Lagos Water Corporation, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office and the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO). LASWARCO is tasked with safeguarding the public’s interests and guaranteeing that water and sanitation services meet minimum service and quality standards.
Despite the established institutional framework for water governance in Lagos State, several challenges continue to hinder the effective regulation of the sector. Some of the main challenges include:
- Limited institutional capacity: The regulatory institution often lacks basic tools and personnel to carry out enforcement.
- Financial constraints: Limited or unavailable funds to carry out expected activities.
- Fragmented responsibilities: Governance roles usually overlap with other agencies, leading to fragmented responsibilities.
Why Strict Regulation Is Important
- Unsafe water causes sickness, decreases production, and inhibits development, but safe water, enabled by effective regulation, is the foundation of water safety. It guarantees:
- Clean and Enforceable Standards: Defining the parameters for safe and acceptable water quality.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: Ensuring regular water quality testing and holding violators accountable.
- Public Participation: Empowering local communities to demand safe water and participate in safeguarding it.
Learning from the Best: What Nigeria and Lagos Can Gain from Singapore and London’s Water Regulation Systems
Having spent time studying water governance across continents, I often say: if you want to understand what effective regulation looks like, visit Singapore; if you want to understand how economic and environmental enforcement work in tandem, look at London. For Nigeria—and especially Lagos—there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. The path to safer, more reliable water lies in learning, adapting, and enforcing.
Singapore: Regulation as Precision
Singapore’s water success is not a miracle—it’s a strategy. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) acts as a single, unified authority responsible for water supply, catchment, wastewater, and stormwater. This integrated governance eliminates fragmentation, one of Lagos’ biggest challenges.
Here’s what Lagos can learn:
- Unified Oversight: Lagos’ water agencies, from LASWARCO to the state-owned utilities, must work under a single, integrated institutional arrangement—preferably one empowered both technically and legally.
- Risk-Based Monitoring: Singapore doesn’t wait for water to become unsafe; it anticipates risk. Lagos must invest in predictive, data-driven water quality monitoring, including real-time analysis and digital platforms.
- Trust in the Tap: PUB enforces WHO and national standards with such rigour that tap water is drinkable without filters. This level of public confidence is not a luxury—it is the outcome of transparent standards and credible enforcement.
Localising the Lessons
Nigeria’s constitutional and federal structure means states must take initiative. Lagos, as a megacity, is uniquely placed to lead by:
- Establishing SMART regulation (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound),
- Building a strong enforcement culture through training and digital tools,
- Enshrining citizen voice through feedback mechanisms and regulatory hearings.
We must realise that regulation is not a bureaucratic nuisance; it is the invisible infrastructure of public health. As Singapore has shown, when regulation works, water works.
In summary: A Shared Obligation
Water safety is ensured by using strong Regulations that call for cooperation from all stakeholders, not just the government. Crucial actions include building institutional capacity, adopting data-driven strategies, and encouraging local community involvement. Remember that strict regulation is our invisible shield, protecting public health and ensuring our future as we negotiate the challenges of water management.
*Note: This blog article is part of a new blog series aligned with the International Water Association’s Safe Drinking Water in Developing Countries Programme and the Water Policy and Regulation Agenda. This new blog series aims to raise awareness, build connections across technical, regulatory, and governance communities, share proven and emerging solutions, and inspire multi-level action on one of the most urgent global public health challenges of our time. Articles that are part of this series will explore the significance of strong regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in safeguarding public health. If you would like to submit an article for this series, please contact Brenda Ampomah at brenda.ampomah@iwahq.org or Isabela Espindola at isabela.espindola@iwahq.org.
References
- National Nutrition and Health Survey: Report on the Nutrition and Health Situation of Nigeria, June 2018
- Muhammed Amin Kodiya; Mustapha Alhaji Modu; Kamilu Ishaq; et al. Environmental Pollution in Nigeria: Unlocking Integrated Strategies for Environmental Sustainability. African Journal of Environmental Sciences & Renewable Energy. Vol. 18, No. 1 2025
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