The Lagos State Government has threatened to seal illegal boreholes and prosecute operators who extract groundwater without the required permits.
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) issued the warning in a press release from its Executive Secretary, Barr. Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo.
The authorities mentioned the directive is meant to strengthen groundwater regulation, defend public well being and make sure the sustainable administration of the state’s water sources.
Lagos threatens to seal illegal boreholes
LASWARCO has reiterated that every one potential borehole drillers and groundwater abstractors should get hold of the required permits earlier than commencing operations throughout Lagos State.
The fee mentioned it had noticed with grave concern the unauthorised and indiscriminate drilling of boreholes and groundwater abstraction without the requisite permits and approvals.
Adeyemo condemned the observe, warning that the fee would take enforcement motion towards operators who flout the laws.
- “Every unregulated borehole endangers our collective future and compromises the sustainability of our environment. All intending drillers and abstractors must obtain the necessary permits from LASWARCO,” Adeyemo mentioned.
She added that the fee wouldn’t hesitate to seal any facility discovered working in violation of the directive and prosecute offenders.
LASWARCO cites groundwater contamination dangers
Adeyemo mentioned LASWARCO is statutorily mandated below the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, to regulate borehole drilling, groundwater abstraction and water provide companies throughout the state.
She warned that unregulated groundwater extraction might pose critical dangers to residents and the setting.
- The fee mentioned unauthorised borehole drilling and groundwater abstraction might expose residents to public well being dangers.
- It warned that poorly regulated actions might contribute to groundwater contamination.
- Adeyemo additionally recognized land subsidence and threats to the long-term water safety of thousands and thousands of Lagos residents as main considerations.
- She careworn that drilling boreholes or abstracting groundwater without LASWARCO’s authorisation is illegal and punishable below the legislation.
- The authorities mentioned efficient regulation of groundwater sources is critical to defend the setting and make sure the sustainability of water provides throughout Lagos.
- Adeyemo known as on residents, group leaders and different stakeholders to help the enforcement drive by reporting illegal borehole drilling and groundwater abstraction.
Residents can report violations to LASWARCO by way of its hotline on 0816 878 2223 or go to its workplace at Block 19, third Floor, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
The Lagos State Government had earlier, in August 2022, commenced the regulation of entry to underground water as a part of efforts to handle groundwater sources and forestall air pollution.
The authorities mentioned the initiative was essential to strengthen oversight of borehole drilling, groundwater abstraction, consumption, provide and distribution to guarantee efficient administration and long-term sustainability.
What it’s best to know
In August 2025, the state government additionally warned that residents drilling boreholes within the Lekki axis may very well be uncovered to contaminated water.
- The warning was issued by Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary within the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, throughout a stakeholders’ assembly.
- Adegbite mentioned contaminated boreholes in Lekki posed well being dangers to residents. He added that treating wastewater within the space might assist forestall illnesses related to untreated waste.
The newest warning reinforces the state authorities’s place that groundwater extraction have to be regulated to scale back contamination dangers and defend residents’ entry to protected water.
