Private sector participation in water infrastructure provision: investigating users' preference in Lagos, Nigeria

Purpose There is a growing need for private sector participation (PSP) in the provision of water infrastructure to boost availability and efficiency, especially in developing economies. This study investigates users' preference for PSP in water infrastructure provision in Lagos, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Using a multistage sampling, the study selected 57, 172 and 296 buildings in Shomolu, Surulere and Ikeja local government areas, respectively, in Lagos. Closed-ended questionnaires were administered to one adult resident in each building. From a total of 525 questionnaires, only 450 (85.71%) were returned and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings The analysis revealed that users had a higher level of awareness of PSP in water infrastructure provision, though preference for PSP was slightly lower. Three key determinants of PSP acceptance were identified: effective management/policy framework, service competitiveness/effectiveness and price increase. While users recognize the advantages of improved service delivery, the positive attitudes are offset by concerns of increased costs. Anticipated price increases and reduced affordability diminish perceived behavioural control and present compatibility challenges. Regression analysis confirms that while governance and efficiency drive acceptance, affordability is a factor limiting support. Thus, users' preferences rely not solely on efficiency, but on equitable pricing, regulatory transparency and socioeconomic factors. Practical implications Evaluating end-users’ perspectives could encourage PSP in water infrastructure provision, thereby limiting environmental hazards, guaranteeing quality control and reducing individual expenses through economies of scale. Originality/value Quality water supply infrastructure significantly influences housing quality and property values. However, empirical research on the determinants of user preferences for PSP in developing countries remains scarce.