DIPLOMAN TIMES

Cross River State has commenced stricter implementation of WASH regulations covering groundwater development and water supply services, with the government requiring borehole operators and related service providers to meet registration, permitting, technical and water-quality requirements before projects are undertaken or commissioned.

The Cross River State Government has announced the commencement of stricter implementation and enforcement of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene regulations governing groundwater development and water supply services across the state. The directive was issued through a press statement by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Obol Moses Osogi, who warned borehole service providers and other stakeholders to comply with established standards. The government said the enforcement response was prompted by concerns over indiscriminate borehole drilling, unregistered operators and violations of technical requirements within the water sector. The policy therefore moves beyond general regulation and places greater emphasis on monitoring, inspections, compliance verification and enforcement.

According to the Cross River State government publication, the government considers poorly regulated borehole development a potential threat to public health, environmental sustainability and groundwater resources. Osogi said access to safe and clean water depends not only on the availability of water infrastructure but also on whether that infrastructure is developed and managed according to approved regulatory requirements. The ministry is expected to work with relevant regulatory agencies and stakeholders as enforcement activity expands across the state. The reported objective is not to prevent legitimate borehole businesses from operating but to bring drilling and water-service activities within an identifiable regulatory framework.

The new enforcement requirements cover several stages of borehole development. Drilling companies, consultants, developers, institutions and water service providers are required to obtain registration and licensing from the Ministry of Water Resources before undertaking drilling, rehabilitation, water installation or related services. The government has also stated that projects must not begin without the necessary permit or authorisation from the designated regulatory authority. Proposed borehole projects are required to undergo geophysical and geological investigations before drilling, while operators must follow approved drilling methods and use standard materials. Proper casing and grouting procedures are also required, alongside water-quality testing before a borehole is commissioned for public use.

Technical documentation forms another part of the enforcement framework. Service providers are expected to maintain drilling logs, pumping-test records, completion reports and other documentation required by the government. Environmental considerations are also included, with operators directed to adopt responsible drilling practices and dispose of drilling waste safely to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and damage to surrounding ecosystems. The government has urged residents, schools, hospitals, hotels, industries, estate developers and community organisations to engage only licensed contractors and to request evidence of registration, permits and water-quality certification before employing a provider. Enforcement teams are expected to identify violators, with the stated penalties including fines, closure of operations and prosecution where necessary.

As of September 30, 2026, Cross River's position is that compliance with the WASH requirements is mandatory and enforcement activities are being intensified. The government has identified registration, permits, technical investigations, approved drilling practices, documentation and water-quality testing as key elements of the regulatory framework. The stated objective is to improve professionalism, protect consumers, preserve groundwater resources and support access to safe water. The enforcement exercise is now at the implementation stage, while its longer-term effectiveness will depend on inspections, compliance verification and the application of the announced sanctions across the state.