Lagos government warns illegal borehole operators of closure and legal action

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to borehole operators. They must get the right permits or face having their facilities closed down and possible prosecution.

The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) stated that drilling boreholes and taking groundwater without permission can pollute underground water. It can also cause land to sink and threaten the state’s water supply.

This warning comes as people worry about groundwater pollution in Lekki.

In August 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mahmood Adegbite, warned that residents could be drinking contaminated water due to poor wastewater treatment.

Mr Adegbite spoke during a meeting with stakeholders. He urged for better wastewater treatment to stop further pollution and lower the risk of waterborne diseases, according to Radio Nigeria Lagos.

Lagos started regulating borehole drilling and groundwater extraction in 2022 to tackle pollution and manage its underground water resources.

Funke Adepoju, who was the Executive Secretary of LASWARCO at that time, said the regulation included groundwater extraction, use, supply and distribution.

In a recent statement on Facebook, LASWARCO highlighted that the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017 gave it the authority to oversee borehole drilling, groundwater extraction, and water supply services.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Oluwabukola Adeyemo, stressed that anyone wanting to drill a borehole or take groundwater must first get the necessary permits.

"Drilling or taking groundwater without LASWARCO approval is illegal and can lead to punishment under the law," Ms Adeyemo said.

She also mentioned that the commission would seal off any facilities operating without the proper authorization and take legal action against offenders.

Ms Adeyemo asked residents and community leaders to report any illegal borehole drilling or unauthorized groundwater extraction.

People can make complaints through LASWARCO’s hotline at 0816 878 2223 or visit Block 19, third floor, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.