The intense heat of summer in Lagos, Nigeria did not deter the many people who had gathered to rally in the streets. They had come to the home neighborhood of the city’s governor with one unified message: Water is a human right. It is not to be privatized.
For decades, water corporations have seen dollar signs in Lagos: Privatization in Africa’s largest city could open the door to privatizing water across the continent. But thanks to members like you, our joint campaign with Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA) is stopping water privatizers in their tracks—and building power for public water.
We organized with 23 members of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus to build on their prior public support for and solidarity with the people of Lagos. They sent a public letter highlighting the perils of water privatization and connecting water justice struggles from Lagos, Nigeria to Flint, Michigan. The letter, combined with ERA’s organizing in Lagos, made headlines and escalated pressure on public officials.
Our momentum is only building. This winter, thanks to your support, organizers, experts, and public officials from around the world will gather for a water justice summit in Abuja, Nigeria. Together with you, we’re growing the campaign across Nigeria and beyond.
