The Ekiti State Water and Sanitation Regulatory Agency (EK-WASRA) has presented a Water Supply and Sanitation Service Licence to the Ekiti State Water and Sewerage Company Limited (EKWSC) in line with the provisions of the Ekiti State Water Resources, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Law, 2025.
Presenting the licence in Ado-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, described the development as a major milestone in strengthening the regulation of water supply and sanitation services in the state.
Aluko said effective regulation was necessary to ensure efficiency, accountability and the protection of consumers’ interests in the water services market.
According to him, the regulator is responsible for overseeing service providers and ensuring compliance with established standards across the sector.
He stressed that licensing processes must be backed by clearly defined licence conditions and service level agreements to guide operational performance and service delivery.
The Commissioner urged the utility company to submit regular progress reports to facilitate effective monitoring and support the attainment of the state’s water sector targets in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Aluko identified inadequate power supply as one of the major challenges affecting water service delivery in the state but expressed optimism that ongoing Independent Power Projects (IPP), particularly power generation from dams, would improve energy availability for the sector.
Earlier, the General Manager of EK-WASRA, Engr. Ayodele Osalade, described the issuance of the licence as a landmark achievement that signals a new era of regulated, accountable and customer-focused water service delivery in Ekiti.
Osalade said the licence was the first issued to an urban water utility in the state and places EKWSC among the few utilities licensed by an independent water sector regulator in Nigeria.
He explained that the licence establishes a formal regulatory relationship between EK-WASRA and EKWSC by defining the rights, responsibilities, performance expectations and accountability mechanisms governing water service provision.
According to him, licensing is an internationally recognised regulatory instrument designed to improve service quality, strengthen accountability, enhance transparency and boost investor confidence.
He said the licence conditions cover service delivery standards, customer service, operational performance, water quality, public health, financial sustainability, environmental protection, regulatory compliance and reporting obligations.
“These conditions are aimed at ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable, equitable, affordable and sustainable water services to residents of the state,” he said.
Osalade also emphasised the need for prompt resolution of customer complaints and respect for consumer rights, while calling for greater collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the Ekiti State WASH Law, 2025.
He commended the board, management and staff of EKWSC for their cooperation throughout the licensing process and expressed confidence in the company’s ability to set a benchmark for excellence as the state’s first licensed urban water utility.
The General Manager also appreciated Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to water sector reforms, as well as the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, development partners and members of the agency for their support.
He noted that the issuance of the licence marks the beginning of a new phase focused on improved service delivery, enhanced accountability and expanded access to safe and affordable water services.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of infrastructure and Public Utilities, Engr. Toyin Ojelabi-Pedro, described the licensing exercise as a significant step towards improved service delivery and assured stakeholders that efforts were ongoing to address power challenges in the sector.
Also speaking, the General Manager of EK-STRUWASSA, Mr Ayo Alegbeleye, congratulated EK-WASRA on the achievement, noting that the agency had attained international recognition within six years of its establishment.
He urged EKWSC to redouble its efforts in view of the responsibilities associated with its new status.
Responding, the Managing Director of EKWSC, Mr Wole Afolabi, acknowledged the power supply challenges affecting operations and assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to improving service delivery across the state.
Afolabi said the utility had developed strategic plans to strengthen its operations and enhance water supply services for residents.