The African Development Bank Group, in partnership with the Ondo State Government and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has broken ground for the Nigeria Urban Water Sector Reform and Akure Water Supply & Sanitation Project, a $222.9 million initiative to expand access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water and sanitation services.
Financed through an African Development Bank Group facility of $124.2 million, a $59.3 million contribution from AFD, and $39.4 million in counterpart commitment from Ondo State, the project strengthens water security, improves public health, and drives inclusive growth across the state. The project will directly benefit over 1.3 million residents of Akure, Ondo City and surrounding towns, including Idanre, Igbara-Oke, Ilara Mokin, Ibule-Soro and Ipogun.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held on 09 December, Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa highlighted the project's significance: "Clean water is a fundamental right, and today we bring that right to everyone in Ondo State. This project is central to our water and agricultural modernization efforts, forming the backbone of the State's water supply and food security system, uplifting communities, creating jobs, improving health, and enabling prosperity in Ondo State."
Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director-General for Nigeria, African Development Bank, emphasized the Bank's commitment to supporting sustainable development in the State: "The Akure Water Supply and Sanitation Project is a strategic investment in Ondo State's future. It strengthens infrastructure, advances public health, and drives inclusive growth, demonstrating the Bank's commitment to turning development priorities into measurable impact for communities," he said.
The project will rehabilitate and expand the Akure water supply system, establish modern sanitation facilities, and construct a state-of-the-art faecal sludge treatment plant. It will also strengthen Federal Government's capacity to facilitate urban Water Supply and Sanitation reform and performance improvements across the country. Further, it will 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 will promote hygiene, environmental health, faecal sludge management, and a comprehensive sanitation and wastewater management plan aligned with the National WASH Action Plan (2018-2030).
Commissioner of Ondo State Water Resources, Public Sanitation & Hygiene, Ayodele Akande, reflected on the project's transformative potential for residents: "As we lay the foundation for the future, we envision a state where no child drinks unsafe water, every household has access to clean running water, and Ondo State becomes a model of excellence in public utility management. The journey begins today, and we will not rest until water flows to Akure and every community across our State."
Upon completion, the project will significantly enhance access to clean water, improve sanitation services, and strengthen institutional systems, contributing to a healthier, resilient, and more prosperous future for the people of Akure and its environs.
