If ongoing discussions between the World Bank and Lagos State Government to through, there is every likelihood that public water supply in the state will be privatised. The exercise will entail the handing over of public water supply in the state to private companies. Invariably, such an action would not only be detrimental, it is likely to place enormous financial burdens on hapless consumers who are already reeling from the numerous tariffs for services not rendered. Definitely, we raise our voice in support of those opposed to such move. One of those opposing the plans is Director of International Water Campaign and Corporate Accountability, Shayda Edwards Naficy, who noted that it is the duty of the government to provide potable water to the citizens, as the implementation of such World Bank proposal would amount to a new form of colonialism. We totally agree with this assertion. No one is denying the fact that the World Bank is using Lagos State as a guinea pig for an experiment that could later become the benchmark for other African countries. Presently, more than 70 percent of Lagos residents have no access to public water supply. Sadly, the few with public water pipes in their homes usually do not get the product sometimes for days and weeks. Water supply in Nigeria is the responsibility of the Federal, State and Local governments. While the Federal Government is in charge of water resources management, states have primary responsibility for urban water supply, while the local governments are responsible for providing rural water. While advocates of privatisation say it is a way of relieving governments of costs associated with water supply, it still does not vitiate their responsibility in this regard. Given the increasing population of Lagos, which is among the many cities in the global South where investment on water supplies is sorely needed, we believe that only government can deliver this precious resource on a scale that is vast enough to cater for the needs of the citizens. The shortage of potable water is responsible for the indiscriminate construction of water boreholes by private individuals with the attendant risk of supplying contaminated water to consumers. Investigations reveal that the daily water needs of Lagos are 540 million gallons. Unfortunately, the state Water Corporation has capacity for only 210 gallons per day, leaving a deficit of 300 million gallons. According to a 2010 World Bank report, water production facilities in Nigeria are not operated optimally due to broken down equipment, and lack of electricity for pumping. In addition, equipment and pipes are ill maintained, leading to intermittent supply and high levels of non-revenue water. Surprising also is the fact that state water agencies are massively overstaffed with an average of 70 staff per 1,000 customers, compared to a best practice ratio of 3.5. The Lagos State Government should therefore seek out ways of harnessing the water sources such as dams and natural aquifers for the supply of water to the residents. In the alternative, it should enter into partnership with renowned private water companies to Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT), such water schemes for some specified numbers of years. In doing so, the state government should be responsible for regulating water tariffs in such a way as not to place undue financial burdens on the consumers. The problem of shortage of water supply in Lagos as in other states of the federation is the result of weak governance, inadequate capacities, and underinvestment. Rather than privatise water supply, the Lagos State Government should attract more financial resources for the construction of water plants and reticulation at affordable costs to then citizens.