We Are On Top Of The Situation – Lagos Govt Breaks Silence On Heavy Flooding

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state following recent flooding that affected several communities.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.

Wahab said the government was responding to the flash floods caused by recent heavy rainfall, which he described as an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of water within a short period.

According to the statement, the downpour overwhelmed drainage channels in some parts of the state, causing temporary flooding in Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other communities.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Government on Tuesday called for calm and understanding from residents following the massive flash flooding experienced in many parts of the state over the last two weeks, with the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approving the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary channels across the state.

“The rainfalls were an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage channels in some locations and resulting in temporary flooding across parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other areas.”

Wahab said the flooding was not peculiar to Lagos, noting that similar heavy rainfall was recorded in other African countries and parts of North America on the same day.

He explained that Lagos faces a complex hydrological challenge because of its extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies.

According to him, the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and other water bodies, especially during high tide, slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea and may lead to temporary flooding in low-lying areas after exceptionally heavy rainfall.

The commissioner assured residents that the state government was closely monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and major water channels, while emergency response agencies remained on the ground to assist affected communities.

He said, “The Lagos State Government remains fully on top of the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and other critical water channels.”

Wahab appealed to residents to support the government’s flood control efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and waterways, illegal reclamation of wetlands and construction on drainage alignments.

He warned that such practices obstruct the free flow of stormwater and worsen flooding during intense rainfall.

The commissioner said the effects of climate change were becoming more visible across the world, especially in coastal cities where rainfall events were becoming more frequent and intense.

He said, “The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across the world, with coastal cities experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall events.

“Lagos is not exempt 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 reiterated that protecting Lagos from flooding was a shared responsibility and urged residents to keep drainage channels free of waste and report activities capable of obstructing the flow of stormwater.

He also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall and called on residents in flood-prone areas to comply with weather advisories and safety instructions issued by relevant government agencies.

The latest government response came after heavy rainfall across Lagos triggered widespread outrage among residents, many of whom criticised the state government over recurring flooding in the metropolis.

The downpour, which lasted for several hours, submerged major roads, stranded motorists, disrupted commercial activities and left several homes flooded.

Affected areas included Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende.

Naija News reports that many commuters were forced to trek long distances after commercial transport operators suspended services due to rising floodwaters, while some motorists abandoned their vehicles after they broke down on flooded roads.

The flooding also affected sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, worsening traffic congestion across the state.