The coalition has rejected the policy outright, describing it as exploitative and demanding its immediate suspension. However, the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke insists the fee was agreed upon after consultations with the state chapter of the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP).
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Monday, Rauf Sodiq, who represented the coalition, criticised the policy as unfair to residents who already struggle to access clean water.
“Successive administrations in Osun have failed to provide adequate and accessible clean water, forcing many households to drill boreholes to meet their daily needs. Over 70 per cent of households rely on boreholes as their primary water source. Imposing a ₦50,000 permit fee will only worsen the financial burden on already struggling citizens,” Sodiq said.
He argued that water is a basic necessity, not a luxury, and that requiring permits for borehole drilling amounts to extortion. The coalition therefore urged the state government to repeal the policy and instead prioritise the provision of affordable and accessible water for residents.
“This policy is unfair,
anti-people, and extortionate. We demand its immediate reversal and call on the government to address the real issue — ensuring clean and sufficient water supply,” Sodiq added.But responding to the criticisms, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Sunday Oroniyi, defended the policy, stating that it was designed to regulate the increasing rate of borehole drilling across the state.
According to him, regulation is necessary to ensure boreholes are properly sited, constructed, and tested for water quality before consumption.
“If you are drilling a borehole in Osun, you must register. We want to know the kind of borehole you are drilling, ensure it is in the right location, and confirm that the water quality is safe for public use,” Oroniyi explained.
He further disclosed that members of AWDROP were consulted before the fee was introduced and that they agreed to its implementation.
“When the petition was brought to my notice, I sent it to AWDROP to confirm if it emanated from them, and they denied it. I am surprised that some people are now trying to use this matter for political advantage,” the commissioner said.
The debate over the borehole permit fee has sparked concerns among residents, many of whom see it as an additional financial strain in a state where government-provided water remains inadequate.
