By Abbas Nazil
The Lagos State Government has embarked on a renewed enforcement drive to regulate groundwater abstraction and penalize industries operating without authorization.
This was announced on Monday, December 23, by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a press briefing addressing groundwater management and regulatory compliance in the state.
Wahab emphasized the critical role of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) in overseeing activities related to the abstraction, production, and consumption of groundwater.
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He stressed the risks posed by unregulated groundwater use, including land subsidence, contamination of water sources, and other environmental hazards, which threaten public health and infrastructure development.
“Unregulated groundwater abstraction denies the government additional opportunities to fund critical infrastructure projects and improve the lives of Lagosians. We are committed to ensuring compliance with regulatory provisions to protect the environment and public health,” the commissioner said.
Wahab frowned at the low compliance levels despite the government’s previous concession of a 75 percent waiver on groundwater abstraction license fees in 2020.
The commissioner warned that LASWARCO would intensify enforcement efforts.
He said although prominent bottling companies like 7UP, CWAY, and La Casera, along with the Hotel Owners Association, have been compliant, many others continue to operate in breach of the law.
