The Lagos State Government has denied introducing a new tax on privately owned boreholes, clarifying that its ongoing enforcement exercise is intended to regulate groundwater extraction and prevent environmental damage.
The clarification follows reports circulating on social media suggesting that residents would be subjected to a newly introduced levy for owning or operating private boreholes.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, dismissed the claims in a statement issued on Thursday, maintaining that the government was enforcing existing regulations rather than establishing a new taxation policy.
According to Wahab, the exercise falls within the state’s environmental management framework, which provides for the regulation of borehole drilling and groundwater utilisation.
He cited Section 312(1)(XVII) of the Environmental Management Protection Law (EMPL) 2017 as the legal basis empowering the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission to regulate indiscriminate borehole drilling.
The commissioner explained that groundwater regulation was an established environmental practice aimed at protecting underground water reserves and ensuring their sustainable use.
He identified groundwater contamination, excessive extraction and land subsidence as some of the environmental risks associated with uncontrolled drilling activities.
Wahab noted that the state government had intensified compliance monitoring to ensure that individuals and organisations involved in borehole drilling complied with existing permit requirements.
He stressed that the enforcement exercise should not be confused with the introduction of a new tax.
The commissioner also acknowledged the challenges faced by Lagos residents in accessing reliable supplies of potable water.
He assured residents that the government remained committed to expanding public water infrastructure and improving access to safe water across the state.
According to him, efforts to strengthen groundwater regulation were part of a broader approach to protecting water resources while addressing the state’s long-term water needs.
Wahab maintained that public discussions about government policies should be guided by accurate information rather than unverified claims circulating online.
“While public scrutiny of government policies is welcome, it is important that discussions are based on verified facts,” he stated.
“The characterisation of regulatory compliance measures as a newly introduced ‘borehole tax’ is inaccurate and does not reflect the policy being implemented.”
He encouraged residents to distinguish between compliance with established environmental regulations and the imposition of additional taxes.
The commissioner further advised members of the public to rely on official government communication channels when seeking clarification about environmental policies and regulatory requirements.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency, environmental sustainability and improved public service delivery.
The government’s clarification comes amid public concern over the implications of borehole regulation for households and businesses that depend on groundwater for their daily needs.
While rejecting claims of a new tax, the state maintained that existing rules governing borehole drilling and groundwater extraction would continue to be enforced.
Ezeana Emmanuel
