Tokunbo Wahab
The Lagos State Government has emphasised the critical need for compliance with the law, which mandates authorisation for groundwater abstraction.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the disclosure at a press briefing on Monday
The ongoing efforts are geared towards regulating groundwater abstraction and protecting the environment as the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission begins enforcement against defaulters, breaching the Environmental Management Protection Law (EMPL), 2017.
Wahab stated: “The Environmental Management Protection Law empowers LASWARCO to regulate all activities impacting groundwater, including abstraction, supply, distribution, and usage.
“Unfortunately, a significant number of organisations are operating without authorisation, posing risks to public health and the environment.”
The Commissioner pointed out that despite a 75 percent waiver on groundwater abstraction fees granted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2020, compliance levels remain low.
However, Wahab cited companies such as 7UP, CWAY, and La Casera, alongside the Hotel Owners Association were among the few to adhere fully to the regulations, warning that the State Government would now take strict enforcement actions to address non-compliance.
He said: “Defaulters are not only breaking the law but also depriving the government of funds needed for critical infrastructure projects.
“Unregulated groundwater abstraction contributes to environmental hazards such as land subsidence and groundwater contamination.”
Recall that in its initial step, LASWARCO issued 72-hour ultimatum letters to non-compliant entities last week.
Against this background, the Commissioner affirmed that enforcement actions would now follow, and it would be led by the Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Funke Adepoju.
Already, the state government, Wahab indicated, has threatened to penalise offenders and ensure regulatory provisions are upheld.
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He added: “We urge all regulated entities to regularise their operations promptly.
“The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting the environment and public health through sustainable groundwater management.”
Wahab reaffirmed that the Lagos State Government was committed to working with stakeholders in a fair and transparent manner, while underscoring that compliance is mandatory for all entities utilising groundwater resources.
