Lagos moves to harmonise wastewater, faecal sludge charges

The Lagos State Government has commenced moves to harmonise rates and charges for wastewater and faecal sludge management as part of efforts to strengthen regulation and improve service delivery across the state.

The proposed rates were presented by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) to the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) during a regulatory engagement at the commission’s office in Alausa, Ikeja.

The presentation was led by the General Manager of LSWMO, Adefemi Afolabi, alongside heads of strategic departments of the agency.

The initiative is coming amid increasing wastewater generation in Lagos, driven by population growth and rapid urbanisation, with the government seeking to improve compliance with environmental and sanitation standards.

Receiving the delegation, the Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs Bukola Adeyemo, welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of a regulatory framework that would promote effective service delivery while protecting public health and the environment.

The engagement was aimed at improving coordination between both agencies and establishing clear and enforceable regulations for wastewater and faecal sludge management.

Afolabi said the proposed rates and charges were necessary to establish a sustainable wastewater management system in Lagos.

According to him, a structured tariff regime would provide property owners, businesses, facility managers, service providers and other stakeholders with greater certainty regarding the cost and regulatory requirements for wastewater services.

He added that the framework would support the government’s efforts to ensure that wastewater and faecal sludge are collected, treated and disposed of safely and in line with environmental standards.

Afolabi said, “We are laying the foundation for a more structured wastewater and faecal sludge management regime capable of safeguarding waterways, protecting communities and advancing the vision of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.”

The proposed framework is also expected to strengthen accountability across the wastewater value chain and provide a predictable basis for planning, monitoring and delivering wastewater and faecal sludge management services.

The government said the reform was particularly important because of the growing volume of wastewater generated across Lagos and the need to prevent improper collection, treatment and disposal from posing risks to waterways and communities.

The proposed rates and charges, however, are not yet operational, as the framework remains subject to further technical, regulatory and legislative consideration.

Following the engagement with LASWARCO, the proposal is expected to proceed to the legislative stage for presentation and consideration before the required approval and gazetting.

The government said the process would help establish a professionally regulated and financially sustainable wastewater management system capable of meeting the demands of Lagos’ rapidly growing population.