COP28: Moment Gov. Sanwo-Olu Rallies Support for Long-term Funding to Lagos Water Shortage

The Executive Governor of Lagos state, Banajide Sanwo-Olu has at #COP28 rallied for global support for long-term funding to tackle Lagos’ water shortage. At a side meeting during the #UNClimateSummit, he emphasized the need for sustainable financing to meet our city’s growing demand for safe water.

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.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also 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.