The head of the taskforce and Chairman of the All Drillers Association in Oyo State, Mr Kolawole Olayinka, has expressed concern about the increasing cost of borehole drilling in the state by Indian nationals.
Olayinka, in a statement, lamented how Indian nationals in the state are taking advantage of the people and the government.
According to him: “The Indians are not contributing to the economy of Oyo State while charging clients excessively. In the end, they convert the proceeds into their country’s currency to develop their economy.
“The issue of capital flight in the drilling industry is becoming serious. When I travel to any country in the world, my obligation is to comply with their rules and regulations.
“However, the situation is different for Indian drillers in Oyo State. Before their arrival, we were charging minimal rates. But when they came, they introduced a method of drilling per meter. Previously, we were drilling to a depth of 60 to 70 meters at a cost of N450,000. Now, due to the limited water underground in that area, we have to drill to depths of 130, 150, 200 meters, and even more.
“Additionally, they have increased the prices of drilling from N6,000 to N10,000 per meter and they are still demanding an increase to N15,000 per meter. This means that anyone who wants to drill now will have to pay N1.5M for drilling alone.
“The clients are the ones responsible for obtaining permits, purchasing casings, paying for stamp surveys, dealing with local thugs and pump installation. These expatriates aren’t paying a dime.
“That’s why we say enough is enough, they have to pay dues since they aren’t contributing anything to the development of the state.
“They shouldn’t just be using our people and taking away our money to their country to our own detriment, which can be considered capital flight. Former President Mohammad Buhari signed a law, Presidential Order 5, stating that any foreigner who wants to practice in Nigeria must have 40% of the investment owned by indigenes. This is the reason they must comply with the payment of dues.
“We had a meeting yesterday and they insisted on the N15,000 charge, but we refused because if the cost of diesel or other materials increases, are they going to increase the price again? We have to consider the clients because Nigerians are currently facing economic hardships.
“We aren’t in an earthquake-prone environment since we are on bedrock. But nonetheless, we have to control reckless drilling as it can lead to environmental hazards in the future, and they won’t be here when this happens. We have regulations for underground water and the Indian expatriates must comply with them,” Olayinka concluded.
