Lagos proposes new wastewater, faecal sludge rates and charges

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), has proposed new rates and charges for wastewater and faecal sludge management across the state.

The proposal was presented by the General Manager of LSWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, during a meeting with the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) in Alausa, Ikeja, according to a statement on the Lagos State Government’s official X account.

The proposed rates form part of efforts to strengthen regulation, improve service delivery and establish a more transparent and sustainable financial framework for wastewater and faecal sludge management in Lagos.

The initiative comes amid growing wastewater generation in the state and efforts by the government to improve sanitation, environmental protection and public health.

What they are saying

The engagement between LSWMO and LASWARCO is aimed at strengthening institutional coordination and establishing clear, equitable and enforceable provisions for wastewater and faecal sludge management services.

Engr. Afolabi said the proposed rates and charges are critical to developing a sustainable wastewater management system, particularly given Lagos’ growing population, increasing wastewater generation and the need for improved compliance with environmental and sanitation standards.

• Afolabi said an effective wastewater services tariff structure would provide greater clarity for property owners, businesses, facility managers and service providers.
• He said the proposed framework would support the state government’s objective of ensuring safe and environmentally responsible wastewater and faecal sludge management.
• The framework is expected to strengthen regulatory compliance and improve accountability across the wastewater value chain.
• It would also provide a more predictable basis for planning, monitoring and delivering wastewater and faecal sludge management services.

The Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs Bukola Khadijah Adeyemo, welcomed the initiative and emphasised the need for a strong regulatory framework to improve service delivery, protect public health and promote environmental sustainability.

More insight

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier stated that his administration was committed to closing infrastructural gaps in liquid waste management and sanitation.

The governor emphasised the need to strengthen LSWMO’s capacity to efficiently manage faecal sludge, reduce environmental pollution and tackle waterborne diseases through strategic partnerships, including collaboration with WaterAid Nigeria.

Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State governor, also stated that Lagos generates 2.2 million cubic metres of untreated domestic wastewater daily.

The latest rate presentation forms part of LSWMO’s broader regulatory reforms aimed at repositioning wastewater management as a critical component of Lagos’ environmental governance, public health protection and sustainable urban development agenda.

Following the technical and regulatory engagement, the proposed rates and charges will proceed for further legislative presentation and consideration before the required approval and gazetting process.

What you should know

The proposed wastewater charges come as Lagos continues to strengthen enforcement against illegal wastewater discharge and other environmental violations.

• In September 2025, LSWMO sealed EMCEL Court Phase I and Well Stock Apartments on Lantana Avenue, Ikota GRA, Eti-Osa.
• The facilities were sealed for allegedly discharging wastewater illegally into public drains and the environment.
• Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the facilities were releasing untreated wastewater, creating a public nuisance and posing environmental and health risks.
• Wahab urged residents to adopt proper wastewater management and hygiene practices to help sustain a safe and healthy environment across Lagos.

The proposed rates are therefore expected to provide a clearer regulatory and financial structure for wastewater and faecal sludge management as Lagos seeks to address the environmental and public health challenges associated with untreated wastewater.