Everyone digging boreholes within the Lekki axis is probably drinking shit water — Mahmood Adegbite

The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources in Lagos State, Mahmood Adegbite, has raised concerns about the quality of groundwater in the Lekki axis, warning that residents who rely on boreholes may be consuming contaminated water.

Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ meeting, Adegbite described the water from boreholes in the area as potentially unsafe, stating, "Everyone digging boreholes within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I would call ‘waste-contaminated water.’" (shit water)

He emphasized that the contamination stems from untreated wastewater and underscored the importance of proper waste management and water treatment to prevent potential health hazards.

“If we are able to treat all the wastewater within this axis — which we have plans for — we should be able to eradicate diseases that may arise from untreated waste,” he said.

Adegbite also addressed the recurring issue of flooding in Lagos, noting that while the government has invested significantly in flood control infrastructure, more efforts are still needed.

“Just yesterday, there was an unusual heavy downpour despite this being the August break. This is due to several complex environmental issues. We have done a lot, but there is still much more to be done in tackling flooding,” he added.