Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Sounds Alarm: Borehole Drilling Is Destroying Nigeria’s Future Water Supply

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stern warning against the uncontrolled drilling of boreholes across Nigeria, citing severe environmental and infrastructural dangers. He lamented that the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes is depleting underground water reserves and could lead to land subsidence, which poses a threat to buildings and public infrastructure. According to him, the increasing reliance on boreholes stems from the failure of successive governments to provide adequate public water supply.

Olusegun Obasanjo stressed that the over-extraction of groundwater disrupts natural water cycles, leading to long-term environmental damage. He called on authorities to adopt a sustainable water management system that prioritizes the rehabilitation of existing dams and waterworks instead of allowing unchecked borehole drilling. He warned that if the situation remains unregulated, future generations will suffer severe water shortages and ecological disasters.

Obasanjo Blames Government Negligence for Water Crisis

Olusegun Obasanjo attributed the proliferation of boreholes to the neglect of major water infrastructure projects, particularly the Oyan Dam in Ogun State. He revealed that the dam, which was constructed during his tenure in 1977 to supply water and generate hydroelectric power, has been abandoned and underutilized for decades. According to him, the dam was designed to serve both Ogun and Lagos States, but its failure to function optimally has left residents with no choice but to resort to private boreholes.

He criticized the government for allowing critical water resources to waste away while citizens struggle with inadequate water supply. Obasanjo noted that reviving the Oyan Dam and similar facilities would not only reduce the pressure on underground water sources but also enhance electricity generation and boost agricultural irrigation. He challenged policymakers to take decisive action in restoring these public utilities rather than letting individuals exploit groundwater without control.

Obasanjo Warns of Impending Environmental Disaster

Olusegun Obasanjo cautioned that the reckless drilling of boreholes could have catastrophic environmental consequences, including groundwater depletion and contamination. He explained that excessive borehole usage lowers the water table, making it more difficult to access clean water in the future. He warned that if immediate steps are not taken, Nigeria may face severe water scarcity that could trigger conflicts over resources.

He also pointed out that improperly constructed boreholes, especially in urban areas, risk contaminating groundwater with pollutants from sewage and industrial waste. He urged regulatory agencies to enforce strict guidelines on borehole drilling to prevent environmental degradation. According to him, failure to regulate groundwater extraction could lead to dire consequences, including increased health hazards and structural damage to buildings.

Obasanjo Advocates for a Holistic Water Management Strategy

Olusegun Obasanjo called for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to water management, urging the government to shift its focus from boreholes to large-scale water infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of investing in public waterworks, stating that modernizing existing dams and reservoirs would provide a more reliable and sustainable water supply for urban and rural communities. He also advocated for the rehabilitation of abandoned water projects to reduce dependence on boreholes.

In addition, he suggested that the government should implement strict licensing requirements for borehole drillers to control over-extraction. Olusegun Obasanjo believes that a well-regulated system would balance the need for water access with environmental preservation. He maintained that without urgent intervention, Nigeria risks long-term water crises that could impact economic development and public health.

Olusegun Obasanjo Calls for Policy Reforms and Public Awareness

Olusegun Obasanjo urged policymakers to enact and enforce stringent regulations on groundwater extraction to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive borehole drilling. He proposed that local governments work with environmental agencies to establish a framework for responsible water usage. He stressed that public water supply should be prioritized through adequate funding and policy reforms.

He also called for nationwide awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of indiscriminate borehole drilling. According to Obasanjo, many Nigerians are unaware of the environmental risks associated with groundwater depletion. He encouraged the media, civil society organizations, and educational institutions to play a role in promoting sustainable water conservation practices.

Obasanjo Challenges Leaders to Take Immediate Action

Obasanjo concluded by challenging both federal and state governments to take immediate steps in addressing the nation’s water crisis. He reiterated that investing in large-scale water infrastructure is the only way to prevent the long-term depletion of underground water reserves. He urged leaders to move beyond rhetoric and implement practical solutions that will ensure access to clean and sustainable water sources for all Nigerians.

He warned that if the government fails to act, the nation will face severe water shortages in the coming decades. Obasanjo reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for environmental sustainability and urged stakeholders to prioritize policies that protect Nigeria’s water resources. He emphasized that the time to act is now, as continued negligence will have irreversible consequences for future generations.