Lagos Intensifies Anti-Flood Campaign

Assures Residents After Heavy Rains

The Lagos State Government has appealed to residents to remain calm following widespread flash flooding recorded across several parts of the state after two weeks of persistent and intense rainfall, announcing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels to strengthen flood control efforts.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing concerns over the recent flooding that affected communities including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other parts of the state.
According to Wahab, the flooding resulted from an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of rainfall within a short period, overwhelming drainage infrastructure in some locations and leading to temporary flash floods.
He explained that the phenomenon was not unique to Lagos, noting that several African countries and parts of North America also experienced severe flooding on the same day following heavy rainfall. However, he said Lagos faces more complex hydrological challenges due to its coastal location and extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies.

The commissioner said the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon, rivers and creeks particularly during periods of high tide naturally slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea, making some low-lying areas susceptible to temporary flooding whenever exceptionally heavy rainfall occurs.

To strengthen the state’s flood management strategy, Wahab announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels across Lagos. He said the intervention is aimed at improving water flow, reducing flood risks and enhancing the capacity of the state’s drainage infrastructure ahead of further rainfall.
He assured residents that the government remains fully in control of the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage systems, flood prone communities and major waterways. He added that emergency response agencies have remained on the ground to facilitate the quick recession of floodwaters and provide assistance where necessary.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to investing in drainage construction, channelisation and desilting projects, Wahab stressed that residents also have a critical role to play in reducing the impact of flooding.

He urged Lagosians to refrain from dumping refuse into drains, canals and waterways, warning that indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal reclamation of wetlands, and construction on drainage alignments continue to obstruct the free flow of stormwater and worsen flooding during periods of intense rainfall.

The commissioner further noted that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events is one of the visible impacts of climate change, with coastal cities around the world experiencing heavier and more frequent rainfall.

“Lagos is not exempted from these realities. However, the State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a flood resilient city through sustained infrastructure development, environmental enforcement and active collaboration with residents,” Wahab said.
He reiterated that protecting lives and property from flooding is a shared responsibility, urging residents to support government efforts by keeping drainage channels free of waste, reporting activities that obstruct waterways, and complying with weather advisories issued by relevant agencies.

The commissioner also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to strictly observe safety instructions issued by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and other emergency management agencies.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to proactive flood management, stating that the administration will continue to implement measures aimed at protecting lives, safeguarding property and building a cleaner, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos.