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AWDROP tasks NASS on speedy passage of water resources bill

By Sulaimon Salau
29 November 2017   |   1:28 am
The President, Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Michael Ale, has called for the speedy passage of the Water Resources Bill, to curb the current indiscriminate drilling, which has led to uncoordinated operations in Nigeria.

Association of Professional Rig Owners and Borehole Drilling Practitioners (AWDROP), have called on governments at al levels to put in place friendly policies that would enable Nigeria maximise the economic benefits inherent in water resources.

The President, Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Michael Ale, has called for the speedy passage of the Water Resources Bill, to curb the current indiscriminate drilling, which has led to uncoordinated operations in Nigeria.

The AWDROP President also decried the continued capital flight from the Nigerian borehole drilling sector owing to the influx of foreign drillers into the country, thereby inflicting untold hardship for indigenous practitioners.

Ale, who spoke 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.

According to him, the Vice President, in his acting capacity on May 18th, expressed support for local content in public procurement, as “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.”

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Major Gen. C.M. Abraham, commended AWDROP 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.

He also commended the efforts of the National Assembly, and charged them to ensure the speedy passage of the bill, as this will ensure that water resources are 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 licensed to drill. If this act is not curbed by appropriate legislation and control, the country may face serious challenges in the near future” he said.

The Army Chief also assured AWDROP of continued 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.”

The Executive Director Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Reuben Habu, spoke on Water Regulation and its implication on drilling practitioners and the general public.

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