Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that the current cholera crisis in Nigeria could have spiraled out of control if not for the proactive measures taken by the Lagos State government. Speaking at the 2024 Lagos International Water Conference, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of quick action in preventing a potentially catastrophic situation.
Sanwo-Olu said, “We have seen a better containment strategy because of the proactive nature of this government.”
He added, “With all sense of humility, it was the level of how well we were able to take proactive steps and transparently have a surveillance engagement, that we were able to stem the tide and reduce an effect of the disease that would not only be local, but will be very catastrophic for the nation.”
The Explainer learned, the cholera outbreak has affected 31 states in Nigeria, with Lagos being the most impacted. The national fatality rate since the beginning of the year stands at 3.5 percent, according to reports.
Sanwo-Olu attributed the spread of cholera to declining sanitation standards at the community level and the consumption of contaminated water. He stressed the need for collaboration between the government and development partners to address issues surrounding clean water provision.
The conference, themed “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos,” brought together stakeholders, regulators, and funding partners to discuss strategies for allocating resources effectively in the water and sanitation sector.
Highlighting the importance of action over discussion, Sanwo-Olu stated, “We need to move from lip service to actions that will help resolve the issues. Aside investing resources, we also need to identify the skills that are required.”
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to providing clean water, noting increased spending in the water and sanitation sector over the past four years. He called for support from stakeholders to complete the ongoing Adiyan Scheme II water project, which aims to produce 70 million gallons of water daily for Lagos residents.
Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Terlumun Utsev, identified rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure as key factors contributing to water shortages in Lagos. He urged government agencies to leverage private sector investment to enhance public water supply.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the need for sustainable and innovative financing solutions to manage water supplies due to increasing pressure on existing infrastructure.
The conference, organized by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), aims to address governance concerns in the water and sanitation sector. LASWARCO Executive Secretary, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, stated that the expected outcomes include actionable strategies to contribute to broader Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) goals in Lagos and the water sector as a whole.