Lagos State Government Denies Introduction of New Tax on Private Boreholes

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has denied reports of introducing a new tax on private boreholes, saying the current exercise is a regulation of borehole drilling and groundwater abstraction in the state. State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the clarification in a press statement. He explained that the regulation is in line with established environmental and water resource management laws of the state.

According to Wahab, section 312 (1) XVII of the Environmental Management Protection Law (EMPL) 2017 empowers Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LAWRECO) to regulate indiscriminate borehole drilling activities across the state. The regulation aims to protect water resources, prevent contamination, mitigate land subsidence, and ensure long-term water security. This practice is globally accepted, and LASWARCO is responsible for regulating groundwater in the state.

The Commissioner said LASWARCO has stepped up the regulation of compliance with existing permit requirements across the state. The State Government acknowledges the challenges many residents face regarding access to potable water and remains committed to continued investment in water infrastructure to expand public water supply across Lagos. Wahab urged residents to seek information from official channels to avoid misinformation.

Wahab emphasized that characterizing regulatory compliance measures as a newly introduced "borehole tax" is inaccurate and does not reflect the policy being implemented. He said the government welcomes public scrutiny of its policies but wants discussions to be based on verified facts. The Commissioner also assured residents of the government's commitment to transparent engagement, environmental sustainability, and improved service delivery.

The regulation of borehole drilling is part of the government's efforts to manage water resources effectively. Groundwater abstraction can have negative impacts on the environment, including land subsidence and contamination of water sources. By regulating borehole drilling, the government aims to prevent these negative impacts and ensure that water resources are managed sustainably.

Residents have been facing challenges in accessing potable water, and the government is working to address this issue. The government has invested in water infrastructure, and efforts are being made to expand public water supply across Lagos. The regulation of borehole drilling is also expected to help reduce the strain on groundwater resources and promote efficient use of water.

The Lagos State Government's clarification on the regulation of borehole drilling aims to dispel misinformation and ensure that residents understand the policy. The government remains committed to providing transparent and effective governance, and the regulation of borehole drilling is part of this effort. Key points include:

Key points

• The Lagos State Government has denied reports of introducing a new tax on private boreholes.
• The regulation aims to protect water resources, prevent contamination, and ensure long-term water security.
• The government remains committed to continued investment in water infrastructure to expand public water supply across Lagos.