The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has warned that it will seal properties with unauthorised boreholes and prosecute operators who extract groundwater without valid permits.
The commission issued the warning on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following concerns over the indiscriminate drilling of boreholes and groundwater extraction across the state.
In a statement from the Office of the Executive Secretary, Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo, LASWARCO said all individuals and organisations intending to drill boreholes or extract groundwater must obtain the required permits and approvals before commencing operations.
Adeyemo explained that the commission is empowered under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, to regulate borehole drilling, groundwater abstraction and water supply services.
She warned that unregulated groundwater extraction could pose serious public health risks, contaminate underground water sources, contribute to land subsidence and threaten the long-term water security of Lagos residents.
“Every unregulated borehole endangers our collective future and compromises the sustainability of our environment. All intending drillers and abstractors must obtain the necessary permits from LASWARCO,” Adeyemo said.
The commission stressed that drilling boreholes or extracting groundwater without its authorisation is illegal and punishable under the law. It added that facilities found violating the regulations could be sealed, while offenders could face prosecution.
LASWARCO also urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support its enforcement efforts by reporting suspected cases of illegal borehole drilling and groundwater extraction.
Members of the public can report violations through the commission’s hotline on **0816 878 2223** or visit its office at Block 19, third floor, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
The commission said the enforcement drive is aimed at protecting public health, preventing groundwater pollution and ensuring the sustainable management of the state’s water resources.