From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have agreed to strengthen collaboration on flood control, water sector reforms and sanitation to improve public health and protect residents from the growing impact of climate change.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced the partnership during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos.
Utsev expressed sympathy with the Lagos State Government and residents over the recent flooding, describing Lagos as one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities that requires stronger cooperation between both levels of government to tackle water and sanitation challenges.
He identified three priority areas for collaboration: improving flood resilience, accelerating the state’s drive towards Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and advancing urban water sector reforms to improve service delivery and attract investment.
The Minister said the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) identified Lagos among 33 states at high risk of flooding, stressing the need for proactive planning, effective early warning systems and stronger institutional coordination.
He commended the Lagos State Government for ongoing flood mitigation efforts and assured that the Federal Government would support the state through improved drainage infrastructure, integrated water resources management, nature-based solutions and better urban planning.
Utsev also welcomed Lagos State’s interest in participating in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen governance, improve water and sanitation services and attract performance-based financing.
On sanitation, the Minister urged the state to intensify efforts towards achieving Open Defecation Free status, especially in underserved communities.
He further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has developed the first draft of the National Water Compact to drive reforms in Nigeria’s water sector through improved policies, stronger institutions, increased investment and sustainable water resources management.
The Minister added that the Federal Government has introduced the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System to improve flood prediction, support timely response and reduce the impact of flooding nationwide.
Responding, the Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed the Federal Government’s support, noting that climate change continues to increase flooding and other environmental challenges in Lagos.
He said the state had developed a comprehensive strategy to achieve its Open Defecation Free status and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to improve sanitation, strengthen flood management and promote sustainable water resources development.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to building a cleaner, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos through stronger collaboration on water resources management and sanitation.
(The Sun)