Lagos State has warned borehole operators to obtain permits or face having their facilities sealed and being prosecuted for unauthorised drilling and groundwater extraction.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) said it would take enforcement action against operators without authorisation.
The commission said unauthorised drilling and extraction could contaminate groundwater, cause land subsidence and threaten the state’s water resources.
Its executive secretary, Oluwabukola Adeyemo, said individuals and organisations must secure the required authorisation before drilling a borehole or extracting groundwater.
LASWARCO cited the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, as the basis for its powers to regulate borehole drilling, groundwater extraction and water supply services.
The state began regulating borehole drilling and groundwater extraction in 2022. Adeyemo urged residents and community leaders to report drilling or extraction being carried out without approval.
The announcement did not set a new compliance deadline or identify facilities already sealed under the warning.
Sources: Premium Times; Daily Post
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