LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has warned residents and operators that drilling boreholes or abstracting groundwater without official permits is illegal and will attract prosecution, as well as the sealing of such facilities.
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) on Thursday expressed grave concern over the unauthorised and indiscriminate drilling of boreholes across the state.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Barr. Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo, the commission said it is statutorily mandated under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, to regulate borehole drilling, groundwater abstraction and water supply services.
Adeyemo condemned the practice, warning that unregulated activities pose serious public health risks, can lead to groundwater contamination, contribute to land subsidence and threaten the long-term water security of millions of Lagos residents.
“Drilling or abstracting groundwater without LASWARCO authorisation is illegal and punishable under the Law. 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,” she said.
She added that the commission would not hesitate to seal any facility found operating in violation of the regulations and prosecute offenders.
LASWARCO urged residents, community leaders and stakeholders to support its enforcement efforts by promptly reporting cases of illegal borehole drilling or groundwater abstraction. Reports can be made via the commission’s hotline on 0816 878 2223 or at its office at Block 19, 3rd Floor, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
The warning comes amid ongoing efforts by the state government to better manage groundwater resources and prevent environmental degradation in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
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