Lagos Moves to Harmonise Wastewater, Faecal Sludge Charges

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 in a bid to strengthen regulation, improve service delivery and entrench financial sustainability in the sector.

The proposal was presented by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission during a regulatory engagement held at the LASWARCO office in Alausa, Ikeja. The LSWMO team was led by the General Manager, Adefemi Afolabi, and senior officials of the agency.

Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs Bukola Adeyemo, described the initiative as timely and stressed the need for a regulatory framework that would ensure efficient service delivery while protecting public health and the environment.

According to government officials, the engagement was aimed at fostering better coordination between the two agencies and establishing clear, equitable and enforceable provisions for wastewater and faecal sludge management across the state.

Afolabi said the proposed tariff structure was critical to building a sustainable wastewater management system for Lagos. He noted that a structured rate regime would provide property owners, businesses, facility managers and service providers with clarity on costs and regulatory requirements.

He added that the framework would also support the government’s objective of ensuring that wastewater and faecal sludge were collected, treated and disposed of in accordance with environmental standards.

“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,” Afolabi said.

The state government said the reform had become necessary in view of the rising volume of wastewater generated in Lagos as a result of rapid urbanisation and population growth. Officials warned that inadequate management of waste posed serious threats to waterways and communities if not properly addressed.

It was also stated that the proposed rates and charges would enhance compliance and accountability across the wastewater value chain, while providing a predictable basis for planning and monitoring service delivery.

The LSWMO disclosed that the new framework would not take immediate effect as it remains subject to technical review, regulatory scrutiny and legislative approval. Following the engagement with LASWARCO, the proposal is expected to be presented to the Lagos State House of Assembly for consideration before final approval and gazetting.

The government said the overall goal was to establish a wastewater management system that is environmentally compliant, financially viable and professionally regulated to meet the demands of a fast-growing megacity like Lagos.