Driving sustainable urban water supply management in Lagos, Nigeria: an empirical SEM-based framework

Sustainable urban water management extends beyond technical infrastructure, relying on organizational capacity, effective governance and adaptive strategies that foster resilience and innovation. In many developing contexts, public water utilities face institutional and operational constraints that limit sustainable performance. This study examines organizational and governance determinants of water system effectiveness in Lagos, Nigeria, developing an empirical SEM-based framework to explain their interactions. Using a systematic review, expert interviews and a practitioner survey analyzed via Exploratory Factor Analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, the study identifies two core organizational dimensions—Operational Capability in Water Systems (OCWS) and Sustainability Governance and Innovation (SGI)—and three strategic clusters that enhance performance. Findings highlight the role of collaborative capacity, governance innovation, and cross-institutional coordination, aligning with sustainable infrastructure and organizational symbiosis principles. The framework advances existing sustainability models by integrating organizational capability and governance innovation into water utility performance assessment. Practical implications include strengthening institutional capacity, embedding innovation-focused governance mechanisms, and promoting inter-agency collaboration. Future research could apply this framework in other contexts or assess policy reforms that support resilient, sustainable urban water management.