Governance without Government: Water Provision in Lagos, Nigeria

This paper focuses on governance without government in water provision. It analyses the concept of governance by examining the broad array of water provision channels in Lagos, Nigeria. It traces the historical and ideological antecedents, leading to the withdrawal of state from basic services and the subsequent involvement of Non-state Actors (NSAs) in the provision of basic services. The paper, specifically, looks at the role both state and NSAs play in the provision of water, by assessing their role in the water distribution chain. The NSAs providers of water have a substantial share of the market of water provision, 70% while state has 30%. And yet, the state does not create the enabling environment for them to operate as the majority of NSAs are not recognized and regulated by the government. However, the merit good nature of water demands well functioning institutional and regulatory frameworks. The paper argues therefore, that the state has failed in its role as a provider and regulator in the production and delivery of potable water in Lagos. It maintained that for there to be equity, efficiency and effectiveness in water provision that can promote social and economic development, the state must recognize, facilitate and regulate NSAs..