Feature/OPED
How Lack of Clean Water is Driving up Diseases in Lekki
By Michael Owhoko, PhD
Help! Lekki residents are exposed to water-related diseases engendered by sub-standard and unregulated sources of water supply.
Increasing cases of dysentery and diarrhoea-induced pathogenic bacteria infections have sparked concerns on public health in the area.
Water is an essential element in human life, and the inability to have access to clean water makes healthy living a hazardous matter.
It is particularly worrisome for a cosmopolitan community like Lekki to live without guaranteed portable water, especially, during this COVID-19 era when the importance of regular washing with clean water is emphasized by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It is a fact that Lekki conjures an image of affluence and comfort, going by splendid architectural edifice and exquisite relaxation spots sprawling all over the place, but beneath these allures, is a menace – lack of drinkable water.
If water is life, yet, it is extremely difficult to source, it means there is no life in Lekki, and unfit to be part of the Centre of Excellence.
By Lekki, I mean the geographical area straddling between Tollgate and Victoria Garden City (VGC). Despite its aquatic location bordered by the sea and the lagoon, clean water is hard to find due to its peculiar topography.
Unfortunately, the Lagos State Government has failed over the years to address this challenge, and nothing on the ground to suggest it is a priority. There is no water infrastructure in Lekki. Of all the network of water mains and spur service lines that run throughout the state, none is linked to the area. And there appear to be no plans by the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) to build water facilities.
Regrettably, this has encouraged all manner of water merchants, using boreholes, tanker trucks and bottled water with questionable hygienic conditions lacking the capacity to pass purity test, to flood the area with their products.
With estimated water consumption of 90 million gallons per day (MGD) by Lekki residents out of the probable 800 MGD demand in the state, LWC is indifferent to the plight of the people as nothing to show succour is on the way.
Desperation to bridge the supply gap has forced residents to embrace these questionable boreholes, water tankers and bottled or sachet water, worsened by the absence of quality control and assurance by regulatory authorities. Therein lies the danger.
Take the boreholes for example. The peculiar topography of Lekki makes borehole water not reliable. The water is characterized by a mixture of iron, salt and colour due to contamination induced, perhaps, by the non-availability of a thick protective layer. Even the recommended borehole depth of approximately 230 m to 260 m by the LWC is defied by the water table structure and does not guarantee purity.
Though a few of the estates in Lekki have boreholes and treatment plants and complying with the recommended depth of LWC, the water is not clean and fresh enough to reassure residents of its wholesomeness. Residents are, therefore, compelled to limit usage to other forms of domestic activities, save for drinking.
Ironically, Ajah, an area adjacent to Lekki, has a good water table with a thick protective layer. This has led to the emergence of water vendors who use trucks/tanks to deliver and sell water to Lekki residents. Notwithstanding, there are concerns about hygiene.
These tanker trucks are seldom washed and are prone to contamination. Some of these trucks have been in operation for over ten years, yet, operators do not deem it fit to wash them, thereby exposing residents to infections. Besides, in the course of dispensing water, tanker trucks pollute the environment through the generation of noise and carbon monoxide, causing health hazards.
This leaves Lekki residents helpless, confining them to bottled water, which they believe, are reliable. But they are wrong! The risk of contamination in bottled and sachet water is also high due to adulteration and imitation fuelled by greed.
There are so many bottled water brands in circulation, all contending to capture the Lekki market share. Those who believe their brands lack the capacity to compete, resort to producing counterfeit by faking notable brands already enjoying market patronage. That is why at party venues in Lekki, empty bottles of consumed water of big brands are quickly taken away by quacks for recycle.
The impact is manifested in poor sales returns for these notable brands when compared to their visibility in the market. This simply means that some of those known products are just synthetic of genuine brands. This has forced some of the honest big water firms to rebrand and redesign their labels, bottles, caps and lids. It is aimed at re-establishing their unique identity and retention of market share.
But has this rebranding strategy worked? Who can differentiate original from fake? Your guess is as good as mine. As the genuine ones rebrand, the interlopers are also quick to raise their bars by cloning the rebranded models. They too want to remain in business.
Despite a lack of full-proof purity, Lekki residents believe they are better off with bottled water than drinking directly from boreholes and tanker trucks. This desperation to consume any water in bottle has exposed residents to unprepared risk.
If the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) did its job proficiently and refusing any form of corruption infection, the activities of fake water dispensers would have been curtailed.
Recalled that in February 2016, a former Lagos Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, was reported to have disclosed that 25 children died after drinking pathogen-infected water at Otodo Gbame community, Ikate, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the state. There are still many of such communities along the Lekki corridor with their peculiar water tales.
Implicitly, it is not by fluke that the biggest private hospital and, diagnostic and laboratory medical centre in Lagos State are located in Lekki. Obviously, the presence of these medical facilities is the outcome of well-researched feasibility studies. Even in elementary economics, proximity to the market is a strong consideration for the location of industries.
With water-related diseases on the rise in Lekki, there is guaranteed and fertile business for promoters of medical facilities. Patients are not only available, financial capacity of patients is also a reassuring incentive.
Rather than draw the Lagos State Government and the public to their plight, residents appear aloof, perhaps, overwhelmed by the mentality of “big boy”, preferring to endure the water hardship silently. There are also low-income brackets who live in Lekki. No class is immune from the water stress, which is exerting heavy health and economic toll on residents.
It is unhelpful for LWC not to have extended water mains to this area, as if it has a hidden axe to grind with Lekki. The only part of Lekki that currently enjoys a water supply from LWC is the segment close to the Tollgate, where services are either epileptic or not available.
It is the responsibility of LWC to provide water for residents, and the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC) can ensure there is improved water supply, rather than paying more attention to the issuance of licences for boreholes. There is no consumer interest to protect where there is no water.
With a regular supply of water and a good billing system, LWC can generate more revenue. It is affordable. I strongly believe Lekki residents are willing to pay for the cost of water if it can be made available. It is indeed depressing when you can afford a thing but cannot find it.
Water is as critical as other infrastructure. If LWC is incapable of piping water to homes, it should collaborate with private entities to surmount this challenge. Inability to supply water places a heavy burden on the corporation and its motto – “Working to serve you better.” How do you serve people better when your delivery capacity is near comatose?
The Lagos State annual budget for water is particularly unhelpful and discouraging. It is not commensurate to the growing demand for water in the state, and it is suggestive of the government’s unpreparedness to improve on water infrastructure.
With implication on sanitation, it is indeed, a sad situation. Eko o ni baje.
Dr Mike Owhoko, journalist and author, is the Publisher of Media Issues, an online newspaper found at www.mediaissuesng.com.
By Luke Kyohere
The global payments landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. New technologies coupled with the rising demand for seamless, secure, and efficient transactions has spurred on an exciting new era of innovation and growth. With 2025 fast approaching, here are important trends that will shape the future of payments:
1. The rise of real-time payments
Until recently, real-time payments have been used in Africa for cross-border mobile money payments, but less so for traditional payments. We are seeing companies like Mastercard investing in this area, as well as central banks in Africa putting focus on this.
2. Cashless payments will increase
In 2025, we will see the continued acceleration of cashless payments across Africa. B2B payments in particular will also increase. Digital payments began between individuals but are now becoming commonplace for larger corporate transactions.
3. Digital currency will hit mainstream
In the cryptocurrency space, we will see an increase in the use of stablecoins like United States Digital Currency (USDC) and Tether (USDT) which are linked to US dollars. These will come to replace traditional cryptocurrencies as their price point is more stable. This year, many countries will begin preparing for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), government-backed digital currencies which use blockchain.
The increased uptake of digital currencies reflects the maturity of distributed ledger technology and improved API availability.
4. Increased government oversight
As adoption of digital currencies will increase, governments will also put more focus into monitoring these flows. In particular, this will centre on companies and banks rather than individuals. The goal of this will be to control and occasionally curb runaway foreign exchange (FX) rates.
5. Business leaders buy into AI technology
In 2025, we will see many business leaders buying into AI through respected providers relying on well-researched platforms and huge data sets. Most companies don’t have the budget to invest in their own research and development in AI, so many are now opting to ‘buy’ into the technology rather than ‘build’ it themselves. Moreover, many businesses are concerned about the risks associated with data ownership and accuracy so buying software is another way to avoid this risk.
6. Continued AI Adoption in Payments
In payments, the proliferation of AI will continue to improve user experience and increase security. To detect fraud, AI is used to track patterns and payment flows in real-time. If unusual activity is detected, the technology can be used to flag or even block payments which may be fraudulent.
When it comes to user experience, we will also see AI being used to improve the interface design of payment platforms. The technology will also increasingly be used for translation for international payment platforms.
7. Rise of Super Apps
To get more from their platforms, mobile network operators are building comprehensive service platforms, integrating multiple payment experiences into a single app. This reflects the shift of many users moving from text-based services to mobile apps. Rather than offering a single service, super apps are packing many other services into a single app. For example, apps which may have previously been used primarily for lending, now have options for saving and paying bills.
8. Business strategy shift
Recent major technological changes will force business leaders to focus on much shorter prediction and reaction cycles. Because the rate of change has been unprecedented in the past year, this will force decision-makers to adapt quickly, be decisive and nimble.
As the payments space evolves, businesses, banks, and governments must continually embrace innovation, collaboration, and prioritise customer needs. These efforts build a more inclusive, secure, and efficient payment system that supports local to global economic growth – enabling true financial inclusion across borders.
Luke Kyohere is the Group Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Onafriq
In a heartfelt statement released today, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has extended its warmest congratulations to Ghana’s President-Elect, emphasizing the importance of learning from Ghana’s recent electoral success as Nigeria gears up for its 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP highlighted the need for Nigeria to reclaim its status as a leader in democratic governance in Africa.
“The recent victory of Ghana’s President-Elect is a testament to the maturity and resilience of Ghana’s democracy,” the CNPP stated. “As we celebrate this achievement, we must reflect on the lessons that Nigeria can learn from our West African neighbour.”
The CNPP’s message underscored the significance of free, fair, and credible elections, a standard that Ghana has set and one that Nigeria has previously achieved under former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. “It is high time for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a beacon of democracy in Africa,” the CNPP asserted, calling for a renewed commitment to the electoral process.
Central to CNPP’s message is the insistence that “the will of the people must be supreme in Nigeria’s electoral processes.” The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria CNPP emphasized the necessity of an electoral system that genuinely reflects the wishes of the Nigerian populace. “We must strive to create an environment where elections are free from manipulation, violence, and intimidation,” the CNPP urged, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The CNPP also expressed concern over premature declarations regarding the 2027 elections, stating, “It is disheartening to note that some individuals are already announcing that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027. This kind of statement not only undermines the democratic principles that our nation holds dear but also distracts from the pressing need for the current administration to earn the trust of the electorate.”
The CNPP viewed the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment for Nigeria. “The 2027 general elections present a unique opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a leader in democratic governance in Africa,” it remarked. The body called on all stakeholders — including the executive, legislature, judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society organisations — to collaborate in ensuring that elections are transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
As the most populous African country prepares for the 2027 elections, the CNPP urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles. “We must work together to ensure that our elections are free from violence, intimidation, and manipulation,” the statement stated, reaffirming the CNPP’s commitment to promoting a peaceful and credible electoral process.
In conclusion, the CNPP congratulated the President-Elect of Ghana and the Ghanaian people on their remarkable achievements.
“We look forward to learning from their experience and working together to strengthen democracy in our region,” the CNPP concluded.
By Kenechukwu Aguolu
The proposed tax reform, involving four tax bills introduced by the Federal Government, has received significant criticism. Notably, it was rejected by the Governors’ Forum but was still forwarded to the National Assembly. Unlike the various bold economic decisions made by this government, concessions will likely need to be made on these tax reforms, which involve legislative amendments and therefore cannot be imposed by the executive. This article highlights the purposes of taxation, the qualities of a good tax system, and some of the implications of the proposed tax reforms.
One of the major purposes of taxation is to generate revenue for the government to finance its activities. A good tax system should raise sufficient revenue for the government to fund its operations, and support economic and infrastructural development. For any country to achieve meaningful progress, its tax-to-GDP ratio should be at least 15%. Currently, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio is less than 11%. The proposed tax reforms aim to increase this ratio to 18% within the next three years.
A good tax system should also promote income redistribution and equality by implementing progressive tax policies. In line with this, the proposed tax reforms favour low-income earners. For example, individuals earning less than one million naira annually are exempted from personal income tax. Additionally, essential goods and services such as food, accommodation, and transportation, which constitute a significant portion of household consumption for low- and middle-income groups, are to be exempted from VAT.
In addition to equality, a good tax system should ensure equity and fairness, a key area of contention surrounding the proposed reforms. If implemented, the amendments to the Value Added Tax could lead to a significant reduction in the federal allocation for some states; impairing their ability to finance government operations and development projects. The VAT amendments should be holistically revisited to promote fairness and national unity.
The establishment of a single agency to collect government taxes, the Nigeria Revenue Service, could reduce loopholes that have previously resulted in revenue losses, provided proper controls are put in place. It is logically easier to monitor revenue collection by one agency than by multiple agencies. However, this is not a magical solution. With automation, revenue collection can be seamless whether it is managed by one agency or several, as long as monitoring and accountability measures are implemented effectively.
The proposed tax reforms by the Federal Government are well-intentioned. However, all concerns raised by Nigerians should be looked into, and concessions should be made where necessary. Policies are more effective when they are adapted to suit the unique characteristics of a nation, rather than adopted wholesale. A good tax system should aim to raise sufficient revenue, ensure equitable income distribution, and promote equality, equity, and fairness.
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