The Lagos State Government has begun moves to harmonise rates and charges for wastewater and faecal sludge management as it seeks to strengthen regulation, improve service delivery and create a financially sustainable system.
The proposed rates were presented by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission during a recent regulatory engagement in Alausa, Ikeja. The presentation was led by LSWMO General Manager, Adefemi Afolabi, alongside heads of strategic departments.
The initiative comes amid rising wastewater generation in Lagos, driven by population growth and rapid urbanisation. The government said the proposed framework would improve compliance with environmental and sanitation standards and strengthen coordination between agencies responsible for wastewater management.
Receiving the LSWMO delegation, LASWARCO Executive Secretary, Bukola Adeyemo, stressed the need for a regulatory framework that would support effective service delivery while protecting public health and the environment. The engagement is expected to establish clear, equitable and enforceable provisions for wastewater and faecal sludge management.
Afolabi said a structured tariff regime would give property owners, businesses, facility managers and service providers greater certainty about the costs and regulatory requirements associated with wastewater services. He added that the framework would support the safe management of wastewater and faecal sludge in line with environmental standards.
The proposed system is also expected to strengthen accountability across the wastewater value chain and provide a predictable basis for planning, monitoring and delivering services. The government said the reform would help prevent unsafe collection, treatment and disposal practices that could threaten waterways and communities.
The proposed rates will not take effect immediately, as they remain subject to further technical, regulatory and legislative consideration. Following the LASWARCO engagement, the framework is expected to proceed to the legislative stage for consideration before the required approval and gazetting process.
