Ukorebi Esien | May 25, 2026
CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has signed a ₦20 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement aimed at reviving the state’s moribund water infrastructure and restoring sustainable access to potable water across the state.
The agreement, which brings together the Cross River State Water Board and a consortium of technical and financial partners is expected to drive the rehabilitation of existing water facilities, replacement of dilapidated pipelines, improvement of water quality systems, and expansion of supply networks, with a long-term implementation framework spanning about 25 years.
Speaking during the formal signing ceremony, the Managing Director of Cross River State Water Board, High Chief Godwin Nyiam, described the event as a historic turning point in the state’s water sector, noting that it marked the conclusion of a prolonged reform and negotiation process.
According to him, the project represents a decisive step towards addressing over a decade of water scarcity challenges in the state.
Nyiam revealed that the project involves a ₦20 billion capitalisation plan, describing the signing as historic, while expressing optimism that it would mark the beginning of the end of prolonged water shortages affecting residents.
“Today is history for us because today marks the end of water scarcity. We’ve struggled for a long time to get technical partners willing to take over the Water Board considering the huge liabilities involved,” Nyiam said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s commitment to improving access to basic services, adding that solving water challenges was among the administration’s priorities.
“There has been a serious problem spanning 10 to 11 years. What is in it for Cross River State is to ensure constant supply of water. The technical partners are going to manage our infrastructure and provide water while recouping their investment before handing over to the state,” he added.
In his own remarks, the Managing Director of Agua Global Services Limited, Mr. Lucky Igberaese, described the signing as the formal conclusion of a milestone project, noting that it signposts the final identification and commitment of the partner institutions involved in the water sector revival.
He said the partnership followed extensive assessment of the state’s water situation, which revealed significant infrastructure decay and challenges in water quality.
“We have come to establish the conclusion of this milestone project… this formal signing signposts the final identification of the two bodies,” Igberaese said.
He further noted that studies conducted on the water system showed high levels of impurities, stressing the need for urgent intervention to restore safe water supply.
According to him, Cross River State had in the past been a benchmark for functional public water systems, but years of neglect had created a gap that the new partnership aims to close.
“We believe that with the formal signing today and the subsequent groundbreaking, Cross River will once again become a model where government puts the people first and ensures potable water for every inhabitant,” he added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Rosemary Onah, said the agreement reflects government’s commitment to prioritising access to clean and safe water under its people-first governance agenda.
She explained that the legal and technical processes leading to the agreement were rigorous, adding that the administration remained optimistic that the partnership would yield improved water supply in the near future.
The Group Managing Director of Core Trust Investment Ltd, Mr. Ayo Taire, who serves as financial adviser to the project, described the deal as a landmark development in the history of Cross River State’s water sector.
He said the initiative would focus on rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, replacement of obsolete equipment and pipelines, and expansion of water facilities to ensure improved distribution across the state.
The PPP arrangement is expected to mobilise significant private sector investment, strengthen operational efficiency, and ensure the long-term sustainability of water services in the state.
Officials say a groundbreaking ceremony is expected to follow shortly, marking the commencement of implementation activities.
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