News
Nigeria: AWDROP raises alarm over water scarcity
Amidst economic hardship present a looming threat to the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Nigeria as citizens are starting to feel the impact of water scarcity, the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners & Practitioners (AWDROP), popularly known as Nigerian Borehole Drillers Association said on Wednesday.
AWDROP, also alerted the Muhammadu Buhari -led Nigerian government of water scarcity and possible health dangers occasioned by current economic hardship in the country.
President of the association, Engr. Michael Ale made this known while addressing journalists to warn of looming dangers of exposing vulnerable citizens to health risks of consuming unclean water.
Ale maintained that Abuja, Taraba, Imo, Bauchi among others, are states where scarcity of water is endemic , revealing that the cause is traceable to high cost of drilling which mounts pressure on government to provide potable water for its citizens.
He further noted that this development has given rise to individuals and corporate organizations to patronize unprofessional drillers which degenerates to haphazard drillings while many operators engage in dubious acts.
The AWDROP boss, therefore charged the government to take drastic decision to address the anomalies before it gets out of hands.
According to him, “Water scarcity is hitting many states now and the cost of drilling is getting high because of the exchange rate and the materials for borehole drilling for example, Casings. Invariably, the cost of drilling is high which is mounting more pressure on government to provide water.
“This scenario is making the vulnerable more exposed to health risk which will in turn make government spend more on health.
“My advice to the state where such instance is precarious is to have a Water Supply resilient plan where emergency response is prompt. It is important to also note that government have responsibility to make water available to the citizen that is, access to potable water at different cost human and financial as the case may inferred.
“State battling with water scarcity include Abuja, Taraba, imo, Bauchi, others and my call to development partners is to make a conceited effort in making sure the result for the program they are supporting is sustainable.
“Finally, decentralize water supply system is geared towards locations where there is not transmission pipeline hence access is still very important. This method will create employment opportunities for the youth through training of various artisans on pipe repairs and plumbing works.
“Many water operators are now extorting Nigerians because of the demand in water supply while other borehole drillers have increased their cost of drilling because of high cost of purchase of Casings for their drilling.
“Government can support the association to stem this extortion by supporting the Drillers’ association as a means to subsidy for the masses
“The association will begin profiling genuine borehole Drillers in the country and names will be published for Nigerians to know who to patronize.
“Many water schemes projects from government and agencies should be critically reviewed, if not; the projects are bound to fail.
“Let me warn the drilling rig operators to desist from haphazard jobs referred to ‘sharp sharp’. This practice is degrading our environment because of the amount of air compressed and used in drilling through the basement formation. The central Bank should also look into the Forex in the materials for Casing.
“The cost of Casing, diesel and other material has skyrocketed, government should also come to the aid of the citizen because very soon if nothing is done, Nigerians will carry placard for water. Let the operators within the water sector also stop the extortion”, Ale continued.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
-
Politics2 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics7 days agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
Politics7 days agoFintiri Dumps PDP for APC, Moves with Cabinet, 14 Adamawa Lawmakers