LAGOS URGES CALM AFTER WIDESPREAD FLASH FLOODS, APPROVES DREDGING OF 28 CHANNELS
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By; Ganiyat Sunmola
The Lagos State Government has appealed to residents to remain calm following the flash floods recorded across several parts of the state over the past two weeks, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, attributed the flooding to unusually intense rainfall that produced large volumes of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage systems in some locations.
He noted that communities in Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other areas experienced temporary flooding as a result of the extreme weather conditions.
According to Wahab, the situation was not unique to Lagos, as several cities across Africa and parts of North America also recorded heavy rainfall and flooding during the same period. He explained that Lagos faces a more complex hydrological challenge due to its network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies, coupled with high rainfall intensity.
The commissioner said the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and inland waterways, particularly during high tides, often slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea, leading to temporary flooding in low-lying communities during periods of heavy rainfall.
Wahab assured residents that the state government is closely monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and major water channels, while emergency response agencies remain on standby to provide support and facilitate the quick recession of floodwaters.
He stressed that although the government continues to invest heavily in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting and flood-control projects, residents also have a responsibility to support flood mitigation efforts.
The commissioner urged the public to avoid dumping refuse in drains, canals and waterways, as well as illegal land reclamation and construction on drainage alignments, warning that such activities obstruct the free flow of stormwater and worsen flooding.
Wahab further noted that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense rainfall events globally, adding that Lagos remains committed to strengthening its flood resilience through sustained infrastructure development, environmental enforcement and public cooperation.
He advised motorists to stay away from flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to pay attention to weather alerts and safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive flood management measures and called for continued collaboration between residents and authorities to build a safer and more resilient Lagos.
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