By our reporter
The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly criticized Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, over the reported imposition of a ₦50,000 fee for borehole drilling permits in the state. The party described the policy as outrageous, exploitative, and inhumane, arguing that it unfairly targets poor and marginalized communities already burdened by Nigeria’s economic hardship.
In a statement released by the party’s spokesperson, the AAC condemned what it called an assault on citizens’ right to access clean and safe water. The party questioned the rationale behind taxing residents for attempting to meet one of the most basic human needs in the absence of reliable public water infrastructure.
The statement noted that the policy is not only insensitive but also exposes the state government’s disconnect from the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. It argued that, at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, joblessness, and poor public services, demanding ₦50,000 just to dig a borehole is unacceptable and unjust.
The AAC further called on the Adeleke-led administration to prioritize public welfare over revenue generation. The party urged the government to invest in sustainable public water projects rather than penalizing individuals who are forced to seek alternatives due to government failure.
Civil society organizations and local residents have also expressed outrage over the new regulation. The Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC), an Osun-based advocacy group, recently submitted a petition to the state government demanding the immediate reversal of the policy. The group labeled the permit system as extortionate and warned that it could lead to increased health risks as more residents might be discouraged from accessing safe water sources.
The AAC joined the chorus of opposition, calling for an urgent review of the policy and reminding the Adeleke administration that access to water is a basic human right, not a luxury to be taxed.
As public outcry continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether the Osun State Government will reconsider its stance on the borehole drilling fee or risk further alienating the very citizens it swore to serve.
