An Osun based association, Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens ( CCNC) has petitioned the Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and the state government demanding for the repeal of a policy requiring individuals and companies to obtain permits and pay fees for drilling boreholes in the state
In the petition titled “Petition Against The New Policy on Drilling Permit for Boreholes in Osun State signed by the General Secretary of the association, Comrade Owolabi Hassan Tobest and made available to newsmen, the association expressed concerns over the new policy which it described as unfair, extortionate and burdensome
It reads: ” We, the above named associations humbly submit this petition to express our deep concerns and objections to the new policy on drilling permits for boreholes introduced by the Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources, as published in the Nigeria Tribune Newspaper dated 28/08/2025, and signed by the Executive Secretary, Osun State Water Regulatory Commission.
” This policy requires individuals and companies to obtain drilling permits and pay fees for drilling boreholes, which we believe is unfair, extortionate, and burdensome.
”Historically,the past government’s failure to provide adequate and accessible clean water to the public has led to individuals taking it upon themselves to drill boreholes to meet the public water needs which is one of the basic necessities of life.
“This is not a luxury, but a necessity. 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.
” 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. We urge you to consider the long-term implications of this policy on your legacy and the well-being of your people.”
The CCNC further appealed to the state government to provide adequate and accessible clean water to the public as well as ensuring transparent and accountable revenue collection processes
It also urged the government to utilize government and internal revenue boards rather than private company collecting the revenue for the government and to provide support and empowerment to practitioners in the industry, including improving working systems and adding machinery to enhance their productivity.