The Osun State Government and the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens are at odds over the introduction of a N50,000 permit fee for borehole drilling across the state.
Under the new directive, individuals and communities must pay the fee into government coffers before they can sink a borehole. Officials explained that the measure is intended to regulate groundwater use, safeguard the environment, and improve monitoring of private water sources.
The Coalition has strongly criticised the policy, describing it as an additional burden on residents who are already grappling with limited access to reliable water supply. The group argued that many households depend on personal or community boreholes because public water systems often fall short of demand.
Reactions from ordinary residents reflect widespread concern. Some fear the levy will discourage families in rural areas from pursuing borehole projects, leaving them reliant on streams and wells that are prone to contamination. Others see it as another example of government policies that overlook the realities of daily life in poorer communities.
Experts have also cautioned that while regulation of water resources is necessary, the state must balance revenue needs with the right of citizens to safe and affordable water. Civil society organisations are now urging the government to either review the fee downward or introduce exemptions for low-income households and rural dwellers.
As the debate continues, many observers believe the outcome will test the government’s ability to address environmental concerns without deepening the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
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