THE President, Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Engr. Michael Ale has lamented the capital fight in Nigerian borehole drilling sector owing to influx of foreign drillers into the country, causing untold hardship for indigenous practitioners.
The AWDROP boss recently in Ibadan at a stakeholders’ National Symposium on borehole drilling regulation and Practitioners’ licensing in Nigeria themed: “Nigeria water resources bill; implication on borehole drilling contractors”, appealed to government ministries and agencies to respect the Executive order of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo.
He stressed that the Vice President, in his acting capacity on 18th May 2017 solicited support for local content in public procurement where “the Federal Government directed its Ministries, Departments and Agencies to grant preference to Manufacturers of locally made goods and local service providers in their procurement of goods and services”.
Ale on behalf of the association also called for speedy passage of the water resources Bill as this will curb the current indiscriminate drilling which has led to uncoordinated operations in the country.
Also speaking at the symposium, the General Officer commanding 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Major Gen. CM Abraham lauded the Association of water well Drillers and Rig Owners Practitioners for their effort in repositioning the water sector.
According to him, the coming together of the association to discuss the Nigeria Water Resources Bill and the implication on borehole drilling is a proactive measure that will create awareness among practitioners and lead to healthy input into the bill.
While commending the efforts of the National assembly, he charged them to ensure the speedy passage of the bill as this will ensure that the water resources is protected, managed and conserved in a sustainable and equitable manner for the benefit of all.
“This symposium is not only important but also timely because the nation is facing imminent danger of underground water pollution from activities of unprofessional drilling companies most of which are not licenced to drill . If this act is not curbed by appropriate legislation and control, the country may face serious challenges in the near future” he added.
The Army Chief also assured AWDROP of their continuous support saying” the Nigeria Army having recognised water security as a vital component of National security, is positioning itself to be a major player in the enhancement of water resources”.
Also in his keynote address, the Executive Director Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Mr Reuben Habu spoke on Water Regulation and its implication on drilling practitioners and the general public.
Present at the one day symposium are representatives to Executive Governor of Oyo State, Isaac Ishola, the state Commissioner for Environment; National Water Resource Institute (NWRI) Kaduna, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) Abuja, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) Abuja, Nigeria Army 2nd Mechanized Division, Ibadan , Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command; Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps. (NSCDC); India driller Association and AWDROP State Chapters’ representatives from the 6 geopolitical zones.
