Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at a COP28 side meeting
Eko Hot Blog reports that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rallied international support for long-term funding to tackle the water shortage in his state.
He made the appeal on Friday at the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Sanwo-Olu, who joined the entourage of President Bola Tinubu to the climate summit, told a side meeting during the summit that Lagos faces a daily demand of 700 million gallons of water, but struggles to supply even 210 million due to infrastructure shortages.
He noted that the state uses only 40% of its water facilities despite abundant water bodies.
The Lagos governor, therefore, sought about $2.8 billion investment in water infrastructure to meet the population’s needs.
“Today at #COP28, I rallied global support for long-term funding to tackle Lagos’ water shortage. At a side meeting during the #UNClimateSummit, I emphasized the need for sustainable financing to meet our city’s growing demand for safe water,” Sanwo-Olu wrote on social media.
“Lagos, home to 22 million, faces a daily demand of 700 million gallons of water but struggles to supply even 210 million due to infrastructure shortages. This isn’t just a social service; it’s an economic necessity vital for public health.
“Despite abundant water bodies, the state utilizes only 40% of its water facilities. Lagos needs about $2.8 billion investment in water infrastructure to meet the population’s needs. It’s time to bridge this gap through strategic partnerships.
“I highlighted the urgency for equitable global investment in water projects. Every human deserves equal access to clean water, regardless of gender or location. Lagos, with its youthful population, is a promising investment hub, and we need committed partners that want to drive real change.”
The side meeting, which was moderated by the Secretary General of Insurance Development Forum, Ms. Ekhosuehi Iyahen, had seven other panelists, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WaterAid, Tim Wainright, Chief Sustainability Officer of PepsiCo, and CEO of Dalmia Cement in India, Mahendra Singh
Others were COO of Water.org, Vedika Bhandarkar, Managing Partner of AquaForAll, Josien Sluijs, Assistant Director General of Food and Agriculture Organisation at UN, Maximo Torero, and former CEO of Mars, Incorporated, Grant Reid.
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