Borehole & Drilling
Borehole Drilling Cost in Nigeria: What to Know Before You Dig (2026)
By NaijaArtisans Editorial Team · 6 min read · Updated June 2026
A borehole ends the daily struggle for water — but it's a serious investment, and a badly-drilled one can run dry, pump sand, or collapse. Because cost depends heavily on depth and geology, understanding the pieces helps you get a fair, honest quote.
What drives the cost
The main factors are how deep they must drill to reach clean water (which varies by area), the casing and screen quality, and the pump and storage you choose. A good driller does a survey first rather than guessing.
| Drilling + casing (shallow water table) | ₦450,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Drilling + casing (deep / rocky area) | ₦1,000,000 – ₦3,000,000+ |
| Submersible pump + installation | ₦150,000 – ₦700,000 |
| Overhead tank + stand | ₦150,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Geological / water survey | ₦30,000 – ₦120,000 |
How to avoid a bad borehole
- Insist on a survey before drilling — never let anyone drill 'by guess'.
- Confirm the casing and screen type; cheap casing collapses over time.
- Ask for a water test so you know it's safe to drink.
- Get the drilling depth and materials stated clearly in the contract.
💡 Ask neighbours who recently drilled about their depth and driller. Local knowledge of the water table in your exact area is the best protection against a dry or overpriced borehole.
Find a borehole driller near you
Compare borehole and drilling contractors on NaijaArtisans by their reviews and past jobs, and get quotes before you commit to the dig.
Get free quotes from trusted artisans
Post your job free and compare artisans near you by price and reviews.