Oyo State government has standardised the regulations and fixed a control price of ₦14,000 per metre for the drilling of groundwater abstraction, commonly known as borehole drinking water, across the state.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, stated this at an interactive meeting between the ministry and stakeholders in the borehole drilling business, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
He said the meeting was convened to address the challenges faced by groundwater abstraction practitioners and develop collaborative solutions for the sustainable management of the vital resource.
Mogbonjubola noted that engaging with industry stakeholders was crucial to bringing sanity to the system and ensuring a balanced approach that benefits both borehole drilling rig owners and middle-level practitioners.
“One of the key agendas of the present administration, led by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, is to provide potable water to the citizens of Oyo State, using every feasible strategy.
“This is why the government has created a favourable environment for individuals who can afford to drill boreholes in their communities,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, stressed the significance of water provision.
Dr. Ojelabi urged stakeholders to align with the Governor Makinde-led administration’s efforts, emphasising the need for seamless operations within the sector to enhance service delivery and ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework.
“Water is life, and those who provide water bring life. This meeting serves as a unique platform for collective brainstorming to support the people of Oyo State,” he said.
An expert, Mr. Ajayi Richard, highlighted key achievements in borehole drilling across the state.
He revealed that 23 companies are currently in partnership with the Ministry, with 12 active borehole drilling machines, thus promoting the profession.
Richard also noted that both foreign and local drilling rig owners are creating employment opportunities for residents of Oyo State.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to ensuring proper regulation, fair pricing, and a sustainable approach to borehole drilling in the state.
The meeting was attended by Engineer Kolawole Olayinka, Chairman, Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP); Professor Christopher Adeigbe, Chairman, Nigeria Mining & Geosciences Society (NMGS);
Others included Mr. Ajibola Anjorin, Chairman, Indigenous Drillers; directors from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and other key stakeholders.
