The Lagos State Government has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels as part of efforts to reduce flooding following the recent torrential rains that inundated several parts of the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the approval after heavy rainfall caused flash floods across multiple communities, according to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab said the flooding resulted from unusually intense rainfall that produced a massive volume of stormwater within a short period, overwhelming drainage systems in several locations.
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.”
According to the commissioner, although the flooding affected several parts of Lagos, the extreme weather was not unique to the state, noting that similar rainfall events occurred in other African countries and parts of North America on the same day.
He explained that Lagos faces unique flooding challenges because of its geographical location and extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and other tidal water bodies.
Wahab said the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and adjoining waterways—especially during periods of high tide—naturally slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea, making temporary flooding more likely after exceptionally heavy rainfall.
He assured residents that the government was actively monitoring drainage systems, flood-prone communities and major waterways while emergency response agencies remained on standby to provide assistance where necessary.
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.”
The commissioner appealed to residents to support the state’s flood management efforts by refraining from dumping refuse into drainage channels, reclaiming wetlands illegally or erecting structures on designated drainage alignments.
He warned that such practices obstruct the natural flow of stormwater and significantly increase the risk of flooding during periods of intense rainfall.
Wahab 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.”
He reiterated that flood prevention requires collective responsibility and urged residents to keep drainage channels free of waste while promptly reporting activities capable of blocking the free flow of stormwater.
The commissioner also advised motorists to stay off flooded roads during heavy rainfall and encouraged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to comply with weather advisories and safety directives issued by relevant government agencies.
The latest downpour sparked widespread frustration among Lagos residents, many of whom criticised the recurring flooding that submerged major roads, disrupted business activities, stranded commuters and left several homes under water.
Floodwaters engulfed major routes including Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, forcing many commuters to abandon commercial transport and continue their journeys on foot after transport operators suspended services because of rising water levels.
Several motorists also abandoned their vehicles after they became trapped or broke down while attempting to drive through flooded roads.
The flooding extended to sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, compounding traffic congestion across the metropolis as emergency teams worked to ease the impact of the heavy rains.
(Ripples)