The Lagos State Government has announced immediate flood-control measures following widespread flash flooding across parts of the state, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approving the dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels.
The intervention comes after days of heavy rainfall left several communities inundated, disrupting movement and stranding residents in parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other areas.
Addressing the situation on Tuesday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, appealed for calm, assuring residents that emergency response teams were actively managing the impact of the flooding.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, Wahab explained that the flooding resulted from an extreme weather event that produced an unusually large volume of rainfall within a short period, temporarily overwhelming drainage infrastructure in some locations.
He noted that the incident was not unique to Lagos, as several African countries and parts of North America also experienced flooding from the same weather system.
Wahab said Lagos faces greater flood risks because of its unique coastal geography, which includes an extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies.
He explained that during periods of high tide, stormwater naturally takes longer to discharge into the Atlantic Ocean, leading to temporary flooding in low-lying communities after exceptionally heavy rainfall.
The commissioner assured residents that the government continues to closely monitor drainage infrastructure, flood-prone communities and critical waterways, while emergency agencies remain on the ground to accelerate the recession of floodwaters and provide assistance where needed.
Despite ongoing investments in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting and other flood-control projects, Wahab stressed that residents also have a crucial role to play in preventing flooding.
He urged Lagosians to stop dumping refuse into drains and canals, avoid illegal reclamation of wetlands and refrain from building on drainage alignments, warning that such activities obstruct the free flow of stormwater and worsen flooding.
Speaking on the broader environmental challenge, Wahab said climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall in coastal cities worldwide.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to pay close attention to weather advisories and safety instructions regularly issued by the ministry and other relevant government agencies.
Tuesday’s flooding followed several hours of intense rainfall that submerged major roads and transport routes across Lagos, leaving many commuters and residents stranded in different parts of the city.
About The Author
