AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Experts under the aegis of the Borehole Contractors Hub (BCH) in Oyo State has urged the federal and state governments to formally recognise, regulate and engage professional borehole contractors in Nigeria’s water development programmes.
BCH stated that continued neglect of the sector poses serious risks to public safety, water quality and sustainable access to clean water.
The Chairman of the Hub, Mr. Ayo Akinyemi, made the call on Tuesday during the association’s end-of-year thanksgiving and address, where he decried the prevalence of unregulated operators and price-cutting quacks in the borehole drilling sector.
According to Akinyemi, Nigeria can no longer afford to treat borehole drilling as an informal trade, stressing that professional contractors provide critical water infrastructure to homes, schools, hospitals and rural communities across the country, yet operate without adequate policy backing, standardisation or institutional support.
“Government decisions affect our work whether we like it or not, from licensing and regulation to contracts and professional protection. When water projects are planned, our voice must be heard. When policies are drafted, we must be at the table, not on the menu,” he said.
He explained that the formation of the Borehole Contractors Hub was a response to years of fragmentation within the sector, noting that contractors had long worked in isolation while contending with unqualified operators, unhealthy competition and official indifference.
“This is not just a social gathering. It is a statement that borehole contractors are no longer scattered and unheard. We are organising ourselves as professionals with a shared voice and a shared future,” Akinyemi added.
Drawing comparisons with other regulated professions, he argued that no serious sector can thrive without strong institutions, noting that doctors, engineers and lawyers enjoy statutory bodies that protect standards and practitioners.
He said the borehole drilling sector equally deserves formal recognition, given its direct impact on public health and national development.
Akinyemi maintained that a unified professional body would help government agencies identify credible contractors, eliminate quackery, enforce best drilling practices and improve the quality of groundwater development nationwide.
“When clients see BCH, they must see quality, credibility and professionalism. An individual contractor can be dismissed, but an organised body cannot be ignored,” he said.
Beyond regulation, the BCH chairman highlighted the economic benefits of collective organisation, explaining that it would enable members to pool expertise, mentor younger practitioners, access larger projects and reduce operational costs through cooperative procurement of equipment and materials.
He also stressed the importance of political awareness within the profession, noting that sustained engagement with policymakers was crucial to protecting members’ interests and ensuring effective delivery of water infrastructure.
Looking ahead to 2026, Akinyemi said the association must transition from a loose grouping into a strong institution capable of shaping policy, setting professional standards and safeguarding the integrity of the sector.
“As the nation grapples with water scarcity and population growth, professional borehole drilling is no longer optional; it is essential. Water gives life, and unity gives power. Together, we will not only drill boreholes; we will help shape the future of water access in Nigeria,” he said.
He urged members to remain committed, united and actively involved in strengthening the association, expressing optimism that a more organised borehole drilling sector would earn government trust and play a central role in Nigeria’s water security efforts.
