The African Development Bank Group, in partnership with the Ondo State Government and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has broken ground on the Nigeria Urban Water Sector Reform and Akure Water Supply & Sanitation Project, a $222.9 million initiative aimed at expanding access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water and sanitation services. The project is financed through a $124.2 million facility from the African Development Bank, a $59.3 million contribution from AFD, and a $39.4 million counterpart commitment from Ondo State, targeting improved water security, public health, and inclusive growth across the region.
The initiative will directly benefit over 1.3 million residents in Akure, Ondo City, and surrounding towns, including Idanre, Igbara-Oke, Ilara Mokin, Ibule-Soro, and Ipogun. Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa emphasized the project’s significance, noting that it will provide access to clean water, support water and agricultural modernization, create jobs, improve health, and enhance overall prosperity across the state.
Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director-General for Nigeria at the African Development Bank, highlighted the project as a strategic investment in Ondo State’s future, strengthening infrastructure, advancing public health, and promoting inclusive growth. The project will rehabilitate and expand the Akure water supply system, establish modern sanitation facilities, and construct a faecal sludge treatment plant, while supporting national urban water sector reforms and improving performance across the country.
The initiative will also strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ondo State Water Corporation through modernized management systems, improved tariffs, pro-poor service delivery, and full operations and maintenance cost recovery. Additional components include hygiene promotion, environmental health improvements, faecal sludge management, and a comprehensive sanitation and wastewater management plan aligned with the National WASH Action Plan (2018–2030).
Ayodele Akande, Commissioner of Ondo State Water Resources, Public Sanitation & Hygiene, described the project as transformative, envisioning a state where all households have access to clean water and Ondo becomes a model of excellence in public utility management. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly improve access to clean water, enhance sanitation services, and strengthen institutional systems, contributing to a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous future for Akure and surrounding communities.
