While the Ondo State Government has highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of the Owena Water Treatment Plant as evidence of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to restoring public water supply, available project records show that the initiative is a multi-billion-dollar partnership involving international development institutions, the Federal Government, and the Ondo State Government.
A fact check by Roving Reporters confirms that the ongoing Nigeria Urban Water Sector Reform and Akure Water Supply & Sanitation Project is financed through a $222.9 million funding package aimed at improving water supply and sanitation services in Ondo State.
According to official project information, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is providing the largest share of the funding with $124.2 million, while the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is contributing $59.3 million.
The Ondo State Government is providing $39.4 million as counterpart funding, demonstrating its financial commitment to the project. The Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF) is supporting the programme with an additional $20 million loan integrated into the AfDB financing package, while the Federal Government of Nigeria is contributing $2.5 million towards the national water sector reform programme.
The project officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on December 9, 2025, and is designed to restore the Owena Water Treatment Plant, install new transmission mains from Owena to Akure, construct modern reservoirs with a combined capacity of 7,500 cubic metres, and expand water distribution infrastructure across Akure and adjoining communities.
Current construction activities observed in Akure, including pipeline installations along Ado Road, Igoba, Isinigbo, Oda and surrounding areas, are consistent with the project’s implementation schedule.
Beyond Akure, the intervention is expected to improve potable water supply and sanitation services across Akure South, Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Ondo East and Ondo West Local Government Areas, with an estimated 1.3 million residents expected to benefit upon completion.
The Ondo State Ministry of Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, under Commissioner Hon. Ayodele Akande, is responsible for supervising implementation, while the state government says it is carrying out regular monitoring to ensure quality delivery.
Although recent government statements have largely emphasized Governor Aiyedatiwa’s determination to restore public water supply, the fact check shows that the project is the product of years of planning and substantial financial collaboration between international development partners, the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government.
As construction progresses, residents will ultimately judge the project’s success not by announcements but by the restoration of reliable, safe and sustainable public water supply to homes, businesses and communities across Ondo State
Roving Reporters
