For over 20 years, residents of Baruwa lived with a persistent and largely unaddressed issue: water contamination caused by hydrocarbon leaks from nearby pipelines. These leaks polluted all major water sources in the area, forcing over 200,000 people to rely on commercial water vendors despite quality concerns. In this article, we speak with journalist Omolola Afolabi, who has reported on the Baruwa community in Lagos, Nigeria. Her perspective offers a closer look at how collaborative efforts—including one supported through an IHS training—helped improve access to clean water in an area defined by contamination.
Understanding the situation
The community showed clear signs of pollution. The smell of oil was palpable in the air as one approached, and the water from wells and boreholes wasn’t just unclean—it shimmered with an oil film, ranging in colour from glossy green to dark brown. In some cases, residents turned on taps and got pure petrol.
“There was also the risk of combustion and a fire outbreak,” said Omolola Afolabi. “The community chief told us he lost an eye to the bad water.”
The impact wasn’t just physical. It affected health and well-being, and added daily stress and financial strain, especially on low-income households. Some had no choice but to use the polluted water for daily tasks.
How the story came to light
Omolola didn’t just report the story—she lived it. “One day, I opened the tap and water that reeked like petrol gushed out,” she recalled. That experience prompted her to start asking questions and speak to others in the community. She eventually published an investigative report, supported by the Pulitzer Centre, that helped bring renewed attention to the issue.
The turning point
A significant turning point occurred during the IHS Tailor-made training on Environmental Justice, which aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to address environmental injustices through effective and participatory land governance.
The training included a World Café discussion—a structured conversational process for knowledge sharing in which groups of people discuss a topic at several small tables like those in a café. In this setting, key stakeholders, including representatives from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and community leaders, discussed the challenges communities like Baruwa face.
"The IHS community engagement was packed with so much energy, purpose, and selfless enthusiasm that it gave the leaders respite," Omolola explained. "The World Café... was the turning point."
This platform created space for dialogue and triggered the response of the government officials, who promised to lead the water remediation intervention. While the community remained cautious, the visit marked a moment where residents felt heard and their concerns acknowledged.
“They felt hopeful even after so many promises that let them down. They felt heard, seen, and empowered.”
Omolola Afolabi
Journalist reporting on the Baruwa community
Building trust and moving forward
Efforts to restore clean water in Baruwa weren’t without setbacks. Some residents were initially hesitant to pay for new water services, given past experiences. But as the supply improved, so did public trust.
Clean water is now running through taps in Baruwa. "They can now focus on their lives as they now have access to a most basic amenity, such as water," said Omolola. With this basic need met, Baruwa is seeing the return of residents, the rise of small businesses, and an overall boost in socio-economic activity. "The decades-long reputation of the community being the epicentre of oil pollution is now gradually wearing off."
Lessons from Baruwa
Baruwa's story speaks to the importance of strategic planning, community participation and responsive collaboration, especially when communities have long been overlooked.
"The biggest lesson would be that no situation is terminal, no matter how long, no matter how severe," Omolola reflected. She pointed out that past high-profile visits—including from a former Vice President—had raised hopes, but ultimately led nowhere. "Decisive action made all the difference," she added.
A model for other communities
Baruwa’s experience may serve as a reference point for addressing similar challenges elsewhere. “The success of the intervention has inspired the Nigerian and Lagos State governments to deliver results more timely and effectively,” Omolola said. “It has also inspired journalists like me to put more stories out there.”
According to World Bank estimates, over 70 million Nigerians still lack access to safe drinking water, and many oil-producing communities continue to deal with contamination. "War-torn and disaster-prone countries like South Sudan and Nigeria should be prioritised", she said, along with drought-prone areas and oil-rich communities facing contamination.
Impact-driven work
The case of Baruwa reflects how IHS’s 2025–2029 strategy translates into impact-driven work and meaningful partnerships—centering people, restoring degraded environments, and strengthening local communities. These efforts are rooted in our vision of liveable, just, and sustainable cities, and guided by our mission to inspire and empower urban professionals and citizens to make cities work for all.
IHS regularly conducts tailor-made training programmes and projects worldwide, working in a participatory manner with multiple stakeholders to address local challenges. By focusing on real-world issues and fostering inclusive solutions, the institute continues to contribute to developing sustainable urban environments.
Looking ahead, Baruwa’s story serves as a reminder of the value of collaboration and the importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing urban challenges.
