Lagos Government Denies Introducing New Borehole Tax, Admits Enforcement Of Groundwater Regulations
Lagos Government Denies Introducing New Borehole Tax, Admits Enforcement Of Groundwater Regulations
Wahab insisted that it was an enforcement of existing environmental and water resource management laws rather than a newly introduced tax policy.
The Lagos State government has denied introducing a new tax on private boreholes, dismissing viral reports and commentaries suggesting that residents would now be required to pay a newly imposed borehole tax.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the ongoing exercise was aimed at regulating borehole drilling and groundwater abstraction in the state.
Wahab insisted that it was an enforcement of existing environmental and water resource management laws rather than a newly introduced tax policy.
In a statement issued on Saturday, November 7, Wahab said that the regulation was backed by Section 312 (1) XVII of the Environmental Management Protection Law (EMPL) 2017, which empowers the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LAWRECO) to regulate indiscriminate borehole drilling activities across the state.
He said the exercise was necessary to ensure the sustainable management of groundwater resources and prevent environmental problems associated with uncontrolled borehole drilling.
According to the Commissioner, groundwater regulation is a globally accepted practice designed to protect water resources, prevent contamination, mitigate land subsidence and guarantee long-term water security.
Wahab further said that the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), the agency responsible for groundwater regulation in the state, had intensified efforts to ensure compliance with existing permit requirements.
He maintained that the government’s actions should not be misrepresented as the introduction of a new tax regime targeting residents who depend on private boreholes for their water supply.
“The characterisation of regulatory compliance measures as a newly introduced ‘borehole tax’ is inaccurate and does not reflect the policy being implemented,” Wahab said.
The Commissioner acknowledged the difficulties many Lagos residents face in accessing potable water, adding that the state government remained committed to investing in water infrastructure to expand public water supply across the state.
He also urged residents to obtain information about government policies through official communication channels rather than relying on unverified social media reports.
“While public scrutiny of government policies is welcome, it is important that discussions are based on verified facts,” he stated.
A coalition of more than 50 groups under the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC) had threatened coordinated mass action across Lagos if the government attempts to seal residential boreholes or prosecute residents for extracting groundwater without authorisation.
The coalition’s warning followed an earlier announcement attributed to LASWARCO Executive Secretary, Oluwabukola Adeyemo, cautioning residents that drilling boreholes and extracting groundwater without the necessary government permits could result in the sealing of facilities and criminal prosecution.
However, the coalition argued that the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 expressly exempts domestic boreholes from licensing requirements.
It specifically cited Section 253(1) of the law, which it said allows residents to construct or extend wells and boreholes in residential premises for household water supply without obtaining a licence.
The groups also referenced Section 259(2), which requires authorisation for boreholes intended for commercial and industrial purposes rather than domestic use.
They accused the state government of threatening households that have been forced to depend on privately drilled boreholes because of inadequate public water infrastructure.
Citing figures attributed to the Lagos Water Corporation, the groups said the utility had only 34,424 registered connections, representing approximately 1.03 per cent direct coverage in a state with more than 20 million residents.
They argued that even when connections serving multiple households were considered, the public water network reached only about 8.3 per cent of the population, leaving the overwhelming majority dependent on alternative water sources.
The groups also questioned the government’s approach to regulating ordinary residents while allegedly allowing multinational companies involved in large-scale groundwater extraction years of engagement over regulatory compliance.
They called on the government to clarify its position on domestic boreholes, rehabilitate existing waterworks, expand access to safe public water and direct stricter enforcement towards large-scale commercial water extractors and industrial polluters.
The groups further opposed moves to privatise the Lagos Water Corporation, insisting that access to water should remain a fundamental public service.
They warned that any attempt by LASWARCO or government task forces to enter residential communities, demand permits or seal domestic boreholes would trigger legal action and coordinated mass resistance across Lagos.
However, the Lagos State government reiterated its commitment to transparent engagement, environmental sustainability and improved service delivery, urging residents to obtain information about its policies through official communication channels.
