Lagos Residents Urged To Seek Approval Before Drilling Boreholes
By Sherif Salau
Lagos residents planning to drill boreholes have been urged to obtain the necessary government approval and comply with regulatory guidelines to prevent unauthorised groundwater extraction and protect the state’s water resources.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Executive Secretary Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo stressed that the commission is empowered under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, to regulate borehole drilling, groundwater abstraction and related water supply services across the state.
She noted with concern the continued practice of indiscriminate borehole drilling without the required approvals. According to her, such unregulated activities pose serious risks, including groundwater contamination, land subsidence and long-term threats to the water security of millions of Lagos residents.
“Drilling or abstracting groundwater without LASWARCO authorisation is illegal and punishable under the Law,” Adeyemo said. “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.”
The commission warned that facilities found operating without valid approval risk being sealed, while those responsible could face prosecution. Residents and community leaders have been urged to support enforcement efforts by promptly reporting suspected cases of illegal drilling or unauthorised groundwater extraction.
Complaints can be channelled through LASWARCO’s hotline on 0816 878 2223 or by visiting its office at Block 19, third floor, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
The renewed directive forms part of broader efforts to protect Lagos’ underground water resources and ensure their sustainable use as demand for alternative water sources continues to rise across the state.
