Lafiagi Waterworks In Ruins Despite Millions Spent: Activists Demand Probe As Journalist Faces Trial For Exposing Rot

Ilorin,  Kwara State– The Lafiagi Waterworks, once a critical infrastructure meant to provide clean water to thousands of residents in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, has become a symbol of neglect and government failure.

Despite claims of rehabilitation and millions of naira reportedly spent on its renovation in 2024, the facility lies abandoned, dilapidated, and overtaken by weeds — with no single staff on duty apart from a lone security guard.

A recent on-the-ground inspection by Comrade Saidu Musa Taragi, the Kwara State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, exposed shocking decay and total absence of functionality at the waterworks.

During his visit on Wednesday, Musa documented the deteriorating structures, broken pipes, empty offices, and rusted equipment that contradict the state government’s claims of rehabilitation and operational efficiency.

“We are standing inside Lafiagi Waterworks, and as you can see, there is no staff here — only a security man,” Taragi said while filming the site.

Lafiagi Waterworks

“Look around; if this place was truly rehabilitated in 2024, would it look like this? The ceilings are falling apart, the paint is old, the powerhouse is locked and dusty, and offices have turned into storage rooms. Nothing is working here.”

He led reporters around the abandoned facility, pointing to documents scattered on tables, empty jerrycans piled in corners, and rooms filled with cobwebs and dirt.

Musa questioned how the government could claim to have rehabilitated the waterworks when “not even one office is conducive for staff to work in.”

The activist further alleged that millions of naira were reportedly released for the rehabilitation of the Lafiagi Waterworks, but there is no evidence of such expenditure on the ground.

He accused the Kwara State Ministry of Water Resources of misleading the public with propaganda and photo ops, showing running taps only on select days to create an illusion of functionality.

“They show the public water running for cameras, but this is deception. Out of all the taps here, only one works. The government must be held accountable,” Musa said.

“If this project was rehabilitated in 2024, why is the powerhouse locked, why are the offices uninhabitable, and why is there no fuel to power the generators?”

Residents of Lafiagi who spoke with reporters lamented the persistent water scarcity in the town despite the government’s promises.

Comrade Saidu Musa at Lafiagi Waterworks

According to them, the situation has forced many households to depend on contaminated wells and local streams.

Journalist Jailed For Exposing Rot

The crisis surrounding the Lafiagi Waterworks took a darker turn earlier this year when Tauheed Mohammed, publisher of NupekoTV, was arrested and remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin for seven days.

His offence: publishing an investigative report exposing the state of decay at the same waterworks project.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade, had dragged Tauheed to court, accusing him of defamation and “defacing his public image.”

Take-It-Back condemned the arrest, describing it as an attempt to intimidate journalists and silence public accountability.

Comrade Musa Saidu

The Take-It-Back Movement and several rights groups have since called for the charges against Mohammed to be dropped, demanding transparency in the handling of funds meant for the waterworks rehabilitation.

Calls for Investigation

Comrade Musa, in his statement at the site, demanded that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) immediately investigate the Commissioner for Water Resources, the supervising ministry, and the contractors responsible for the failed rehabilitation project.

Dilapidated Office without staff members at Lafiagi Waterworks

“We are giving the Honourable Commissioner one week to come forward with evidence of where this rehabilitation took place. If not, we will submit petitions to the EFCC and ICPC,” Musa declared.

“This is not just about Lafiagi — it’s about good governance and the right of every citizen to have access to clean water.”

He also warned that citizens would organize a mass protest to the Ministry of Water Resources if the government fails to act.

“If nothing changes, we will barricade the Commissioner’s office next week. Lafiagi people are not slaves. This government cannot continue to deceive us with paint and propaganda,” he said.

A Symbol of Broken Promises

The Lafiagi Waterworks, established decades ago, was intended to supply potable water to several communities within Edu Local Government and neighboring areas.

Dilapidated Office without staff members at Lafiagi Waterworks

However, years of neglect and mismanagement have rendered it ineffective. Despite multiple budgetary allocations for rehabilitation, including in the 2024 fiscal year, there is little to show for the funds allegedly spent.

Afrika Eyes had reported that an Ilorin Magistrate Court has granted bail to the Publisher of NupekoTV, Tauheed Mohammed, who is standing trial over an alleged defamation case filed by the Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade.

The ruling, delivered by Magistrate M.B. Ajetumobi on Tuesday, set the bail at ₦800,000 with two sureties.

The court directed that the sureties must provide their National Identification Numbers (NIN), passport photographs, and full personal details.

The defamation suit was filed following reports published by the online platform allegedly linking the commissioner to misconduct in office.

The case has been adjourned to November 19, 2025, for further hearing.