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By Lateef Dada
Borehole drilling policy of Osun state government is not sitting well with some interests. A Civil Society Organization in the State, Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Citizens (CCNC), is kicking against the policy.
They frown at Governor Ademola Adeleke, directing individuals and companies to obtain permits and pay fees for drilling boreholes, describing the policy as “extortionate and burdensome” The group lamented that the potential permit fee of N50,000 per borehole is exorbitant and will further exacerbate the financial burden on citizens.
At a press conference in Osogbo, the Public Relations officer of the group, Rauf Sodiq, noted that a petition had been sent to the governor, informing him that the policy is unfair, anti- masses, poverty-filled and extortionate, and demanded that the government take immediate action to address the matter.
(CCNC) also questioned the involvement of a private consultant, Royal Gem Multi Sector Ltd, in the collection of revenue for the government, saying “this raises concerns about the transparency and accountability of the revenue collection process.”
Reacting to the advert published by Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources, in the Nigeria Tribune Newspaper dated 28/08/2025, and signed by the Executive Secretary, Osun State Water Regulatory Commission, the group said it is unfair to expect individuals to pay for a permit to access a basic necessity like water when the government has failed to fulfill its responsibility.
“For instance, in Osun State, over 70% of households rely on boreholes as their primary source of water due to the inadequacy of government-provided water supply and improper provision of the the agency that provide water.
“The government has failed to provide adequate and accessible clean water to the public, leading to individuals taking matters into their own hands. This policy will only worsen the situation, as individuals will be forced to bear the cost of accessing water which is unfair and anti-masses policy.
“Why should individuals and companies that have already paid various direct and indirect taxes be required to pay for a permit to access water, while the government fails to provide it? This is an unfair and extortionate practice that will further impoverish citizens.
“We are calling on Osun State government to repeal this policy because it will lead to increased financial burden on citizens, particularly low-income households, who are already struggling to access clean water. This will increase poverty rate and inequality, and undermine the government’s efforts to improve the standard of living of its citizens as promised during the electoral process.
“We humbly appeal to your conscience as a father and a peaceful personality, that this policy may be perceived as a wrong political move. Your opponents may use this move to undermine your humanitarian score within the general public. Water is a gift from nature, and sourcing it should not be allowed to increase the burden of the public, especially when most citizens are already on the edge,” the group said.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Sunday Oroniyi, has however, explained that the policy was to ensure that boreholes are drilled where it is necessary by conducting survey and ensure that the water quality is properly tested.
“Before we impose the fee, I invited the Association of Water Well (Borehole) Drilling Rig Owners & Practitioners (AWDROP) members in my office this year, they expressed their views, after that they all agreed to pay it. When the petition came, I sent it to them to know whether it emanated from them and they denied. I wonder why some people will use that for political gain,” Oroniyi said.
