Following weeks of relentless rainfall that left several communities inundated and disrupted commercial and social activities across the state, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels as part of an emergency response to the widespread flash flooding.
The approval for the dredging of 28 additional channels is expected to accelerate ongoing flood mitigation efforts as the state braces for more rainfall during the peak of the rainy season.
The intervention came as the Lagos State Government appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that comprehensive measures were being implemented to address the flooding and strengthen the state’s flood management infrastructure.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who addressed journalists on Tuesday, attributed the flooding witnessed across many parts of the state to unusually intense rainfall over the last two weeks, describing the downpours as an extreme weather event that generated an exceptionally high volume of stormwater within a short period.
According to him, the unprecedented rainfall overwhelmed drainage infrastructure in several locations, resulting in temporary flooding in Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other parts of Lagos.
Wahab explained that the phenomenon was not unique to Lagos, noting that several African countries and cities in North America experienced similar heavy rainfall and flooding during the same period.
He, however, stressed that Lagos presents a more challenging hydrological environment because of its unique coastal location, extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies, all of which influence the discharge of stormwater into the Atlantic Ocean.
“The interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and numerous rivers and creeks, particularly during periods of high tide, naturally slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea. This results in temporary inundation in some low-lying communities whenever exceptionally heavy rainfall occurs,” he said.
Despite the situation, the Commissioner assured residents that government agencies were on top of developments through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood-prone areas and critical water channels, while emergency response teams had been deployed to affected communities to facilitate the quick recession of floodwaters and provide necessary assistance.
He disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had consequently approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state to improve water flow, increase drainage capacity and minimise the impact of future flooding.
The Commissioner noted that the latest intervention complements the state’s ongoing investments in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting and other flood control infrastructure designed to improve Lagos’ resilience against extreme weather conditions.
Wahab, however, maintained that government efforts alone would not eliminate flooding unless residents also played their part by protecting drainage infrastructure from abuse.
He warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals and waterways, illegal reclamation of wetlands and construction on drainage alignments, saying such activities continue to obstruct the free flow of stormwater and significantly worsen flooding whenever heavy rains occur.
According to him, the increasing frequency of intense rainfall across coastal cities is one of the visible consequences of climate change, stressing that Lagos, like many other coastal megacities, must continue to adapt through sustained infrastructure development and environmental enforcement.
“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 stated.
He further urged motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall, while advising residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to pay close attention to weather advisories and comply with safety directives issued regularly by government agencies.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Wahab said the administration would continue to implement proactive flood management strategies while calling on Lagosians to cooperate by keeping drainage channels free of refuse and promptly reporting activities capable of obstructing the free flow of stormwater.