LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has threatened to seal unauthorised boreholes and prosecute individuals and organisations extracting groundwater without permits, warning that illegal drilling could contaminate underground water sources and damage the environment.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Oluwabukola Adeyemo, gave the warning on Thursday, urging residents and businesses to obtain the commission’s approval before drilling boreholes or abstracting groundwater.
Adeyemo said unauthorised groundwater extraction posed risks to public health and the state’s water resources, including possible contamination and land subsidence. “Drilling or abstracting groundwater without LASWARCO authorisation is illegal and punishable under the Law,” she said.
She warned that the commission would seal facilities operating without the required permits and initiate prosecution against those responsible. Adeyemo also called on residents and community leaders to support enforcement by reporting illegal borehole drilling and unauthorised groundwater extraction.
The warning comes amid concerns about possible groundwater pollution in Lekki, where residents have previously been cautioned about contamination risks linked to inadequate wastewater treatment. In August 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mahmood Adegbite, raised concerns about the risk of polluted water in the area. He stressed the importance of proper wastewater treatment to prevent groundwater contamination and waterborne diseases.
Lagos introduced regulations governing borehole drilling and groundwater extraction in 2022 to protect underground water resources and promote their sustainable management. The regulations cover groundwater abstraction, consumption, supply and distribution.
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