• Utsev orders fresh assessment, promises sustainable interventions
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government and Lagos State Government have commenced moves to tackle flooding and prevent a recurrence of disasters in flood-prone communities across the state.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this yesterday during an assessment tour of flood-prone areas and critical water infrastructure in Lagos.
Utsev said the exercise was part of the Federal Government’s nationwide assessment of water resources, sanitation, hygiene and flood challenges across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He described Lagos as one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, stressing that whatever affects the state has significant implications for Nigeria and the continent.
The minister said the assessment would enable the government to identify areas requiring urgent intervention and develop sustainable solutions in partnership with the Lagos State Government, private sector and development partners.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes strongly in collaboration. We will continue to engage the Lagos State Government, the private sector and development partners to develop sustainable mechanisms that will address the challenges we have observed and improve the living conditions of the people,” he said.
Utsev commended the Lagos State Government, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority for measures aimed at reducing flooding and improving water resources management.
He, however, blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels for worsening urban flooding, urging residents to stop blocking waterways and support government efforts to keep the environment clean.
The minister also inspected the Ilubirin Mechanical Pumping Station, describing the facility as an innovative engineering solution designed to channel excess floodwater into the lagoon.
He said comprehensive engineering assessments and detailed designs would be carried out before determining the scope, cost and implementation timeline of additional flood-control projects.
Utsev added that the Federal Government would explore the possibility of integrating hydropower generation into future water infrastructure projects where technically feasible.
Director-General of NIHSA, Arc. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the government’s flood-control efforts were being guided by scientific forecasts and hydrological data.
He said the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook had projected above-normal rainfall in several parts of the country, warning that continued rainfall could trigger further flooding.
Mohammed called for sustained vigilance, early warning dissemination and proactive responses by government agencies and residents.
Lagos State Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the state had issued early-warning advisories to residents ahead of the rainy season, based on forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.
He said residents of vulnerable communities had been sensitised through conventional and digital media platforms, while the state continued to invest in innovative flood-control infrastructure.
Rotimi-Akodu said the Ilubirin Mechanical Pumping Station had significantly reduced flooding in parts of Lagos Island.
He welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention, particularly in areas where flooding affects communities across state boundaries.
A resident of Ilo-Awela, Alimosho Local Government Area, Mr Lawal Sunday, commended the state government for previous erosion-control interventions but appealed to the Federal Government to expedite construction of the proposed bridge serving the community.
He said the bridge would improve access and reduce hardship for residents, while urging intensified public enlightenment against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
The assessment team visited the Ilubirin Mechanical Pumping Station, Signal Barracks Primary Drainage Channel in Ajegunle, System 5 Drainage Channel in Apapa-Iganmu, Ilo-Awela River in Alimosho, the public toilet project at Orile-Iganmu and Ogombo River along the Lagos Coastal Highway corridor.
(The Sun)