By Ayo Onikoyi

Environmental Geologist Fidelis Adigwe has called on the Nigerian government to quickly implement and enforce tougher rules on borehole drilling to protect the groundwater reserve. With over eight years of hands-on experience across hundreds of water projects, Adigwe cautions that drilling without proper controls puts one of Nigeria’s most important natural resources at risk.

“There’s a hidden crisis happening,” Adigwe said during an interview. “Groundwater is depleting because people are drilling boreholes anywhere they want without proper studies.”

Adigwe, who graduated with a degree in geology from the University of Benin and is now studying for his advanced degree in the United States, has worked extensively with drilling companies and government projects in Nigeria. He has overseen more than 500 borehole installations and understands the dangers of unregulated drilling practices.

According to him, many boreholes are drilled without proper site checks or information about underground water flow, leading to failed wells, sewer contamination, and often pollution of drinking water, which affects the total health of the people. “In many communities, water from boreholes is no longer safe because nobody regulates the design, how deep it is to drill, or where drilling should happen,” he added.

Having carried out several research projects on the environmental impacts of indiscriminate well drilling at the University of Texas in the United States, he mentioned that unregulated borehole drilling could lead to an increase of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in our water systems leading to severe health problems like Cancer, Liver damage etc.

He stressed the need for state governments to set up teams that monitor groundwater resources and work with qualified experts for every drilling project. “You can’t just drill a well anywhere and expect to find clean, lasting water. Groundwater behaves differently depending on where you are; what works in Enugu might not work in Sokoto,” Adigwe explained.

As a member of the Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society and the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria, Adigwe believes it’s time for the Federal Government to gather all groundwater data and create a collation of all boreholes that have been drilled.

He also highlighted the environmental damage caused by poorly managed drilling. “When we drill without proper information, we risk not only water shortages but also land sinking and damage to the environment and or induced seismicity. We’re disturbing nature’s balance,” he said.

One of his suggested solutions includes a system where only certified professionals are allowed to conduct water studies and install boreholes. “We don’t allow unqualified people to build bridges or hospitals. Why do we let them drill for water, which is just as important?” he asked.

In 2022, Adigwe and his team conducted a survey that showed over 40% of boreholes in Nigeria had either failed or produced water unsafe for drinking due to poor location selection and drilling methods or lack of maintenance, and yet we are still drilling more wells.

He is pushing for a joint task force between the Ministries of Water Resources, Environment, and Mines to regulate private drilling companies and sanction those who don’t follow the rules. “We don’t need more boreholes. We need better, safer boreholes,” he said.

Adigwe is currently working with other experts to develop a policy document to present to government agencies. The document outlines steps for registering boreholes, requiring water quality tests, and mapping groundwater across all 36 states.

“We are already behind. But it’s not too late to act. The first step is to see water not as something free and endless, but as a limited resource we all share,” Adigwe said.

He also encouraged Nigerians to demand better standards from water providers and drilling companies, noting that public awareness is essential to changing government policies. “When people understand that poorly constructed boreholes can cause illness or dry up an entire neighborhood’s water supply, they will start asking the right questions,” he said.

Now a member of several professional groups, including the National Groundwater Association, National Institute of Professional Engineers and Scientists, the Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society, and Dallas Geological Society, Adigwe is also working on creating a platform to connect young geologists and experienced engineers with community projects.

His hard work and knowledge recently landed him a job with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. This government agency works to protect water, air, and manage solid waste in Texas. He’ll work alongside other environmental experts from around the world to ensure people in Texas live in a healthy environment while protecting natural resources as outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

His mission remains clear: To ensure clean water for all while advancing the preservation and management of our environmental resources.