Lagos to seal illegal boreholes, prosecute operators without permits

The Lagos State Government has directed borehole operators to secure the necessary permits before drilling or extracting groundwater, warning that defaulters risk having their facilities sealed and facing prosecution.

The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, LASWARCO, said unauthorised borehole drilling and groundwater extraction could expose underground water sources to contamination, trigger land subsidence and endanger the state’s water resources.

The warning comes amid growing concerns about groundwater pollution in Lekki, where residents have previously been cautioned about the possibility of consuming contaminated water due to inadequate wastewater treatment.

In August 2025, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mahmood Adegbite, raised concerns that residents in the area could be exposed to polluted water because of poor wastewater treatment practices.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Adegbite stressed the need for proper wastewater treatment to prevent further groundwater contamination and minimise the spread of waterborne diseases, according to Radio Nigeria Lagos.

The state introduced regulations for borehole drilling and groundwater extraction in 2022 as part of efforts to prevent pollution and ensure the sustainable management of its underground water resources.

The then Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Funke Adepoju, explained at the time that the regulations covered groundwater abstraction, consumption, supply and distribution.

In a statement published on Facebook on Thursday, the commission said the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, authorised it to oversee borehole drilling, groundwater extraction and water supply services.

LASWARCO Executive Secretary, Oluwabukola Adeyemo, said individuals and organisations planning to drill boreholes or extract groundwater must obtain the relevant permits before commencing operations.

“Drilling or abstracting groundwater without LASWARCO authorisation is illegal and punishable under the Law,” Adeyemo said.

She warned that the commission would seal facilities operating without the required approval and initiate prosecution against those responsible.

Adeyemo also appealed to residents and community leaders to assist the commission by reporting cases of illegal borehole drilling and unauthorised groundwater extraction.

Lagos to seal illegal boreholes, prosecute operators without permits