Lagos to seal illegal boreholes, prosecute operators without permits
The Lagos State Government has mandated that borehole operators obtain the necessary permits prior to drilling or extracting groundwater. Those who fail to comply risk having their facilities sealed and facing prosecution.
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has expressed concerns over unauthorized borehole drilling and groundwater extraction, emphasizing that such actions could lead to groundwater contamination, land subsidence, and a deterioration of the state’s water resources.
This warning comes as residents of Lekki grapple with potential groundwater pollution, having received previous alerts about the dangers of consuming contaminated water stemming from inadequate wastewater treatment. In August 2025, Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, highlighted the risks posed by poor wastewater management in the area.
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During a recent stakeholders’ meeting, Adegbite underscored the importance of effective wastewater treatment to prevent further pollution of groundwater and to minimize the risk of waterborne diseases, according to reports from Radio Nigeria Lagos.
In 2022, Lagos State implemented regulations governing borehole drilling and groundwater extraction as part of its strategy to mitigate pollution and sustainably manage underground water resources. At that time, then-Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Funke Adepoju, explained that these regulations pertain to groundwater abstraction, consumption, supply, and distribution.
In a statement published on Facebook this Thursday, LASWARCO noted that the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017 grants it the authority to oversee borehole drilling, groundwater extraction, and water supply services.
LASWARCO Executive Secretary Oluwabukola Adeyemo reiterated that individuals and organizations intending to drill boreholes or extract groundwater must first obtain the necessary permits. “Drilling or abstracting groundwater without LASWARCO authorization is illegal and punishable under the law,” Adeyemo stated. She warned that the commission would seal unapproved facilities and initiate prosecution against those responsible.
Adeyemo also encouraged residents and community leaders to assist LASWARCO by reporting any instances of unauthorized borehole drilling and groundwater extraction.
