The Lagos State Government has raised concerns over the quality of water being consumed by residents drilling boreholes in the Lekki axis, warning that such water may be contaminated with sewage.
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mahmood Adegbite, issued the warning during a recent stakeholders’ meeting on flood management and water safety in coastal areas of the state.
Adegbite disclosed that many boreholes in Lekki are likely contaminated due to untreated wastewater seeping into underground water sources. He described the situation as a major health risk and urged residents to be cautious.
“Anyone drilling a borehole within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I would call ‘sewage-contaminated water’,” Adegbite said. “However, if we are able to treat all the wastewater within this axis, we should be able to eradicate any form of disease that may result from non-treatment of waste.”
He also noted that despite significant investments in flood control, recurring flooding remains a challenge in the Lekki area, which he attributed to complex environmental factors.
The state government has repeatedly warned against indiscriminate borehole drilling and continues to enforce regulations aimed at protecting groundwater and ensuring safe water consumption. Through the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), the government has mandated that borehole drilling operators obtain proper licenses or permits.
Additionally, commercial users may be subject to fees and stricter monitoring to prevent further contamination of underground water sources.
The state urged residents to comply with regulatory measures and avoid unapproved water sources to safeguard public health.
