Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the dredging of 28 new principal drainage canals in response to flooding in portions of the state.
Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, confirmed this in a statement signed by the ministry’s spokeswoman, Kunle Adeshina, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the recent severe rainfall was an extraordinary meteorological phenomenon that overwhelmed drainage systems throughout the state.
He said the downpours caused temporary flooding in Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, and Mafoluku.
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.”
He explained that the episode was not unique to Lagos, as similar severe rainfall impacted other African countries and areas of North America on the same day.
The commissioner believes that Lagos’ wide network of lagoons, rivers, creeks, and tidal water bodies presents a more complex hydrological challenge.
He added that the interplay of the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon, and other bodies of water, particularly during high tide, naturally delays stormwater discharge into the sea, resulting in temporary flooding in low-lying areas following exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Wahab told locals that the state government was actively monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone areas, and major water channels, while emergency response agencies were on the ground to assist impacted populations.
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 also advised locals to support the government’s flood control efforts by preventing indiscriminate dumping of garbage into drains and waterways, illegal wetland reclamation, and development along drainage lines.
He warned that such actions impede the free flow of stormwater and exacerbate flooding during instances of heavy rain.
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 emphasized that preserving Lagos from floods was a shared responsibility and advised citizens to keep drainage channels clean and report any activity that could block the flow of stormwater.
The commissioner also recommended motorists avoid driving on flooded roads during heavy rain and asked citizens, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to follow weather advisories and safety instructions provided by relevant government organizations.
Heavy rainfall that swept across the state triggered widespread outrage, with many residents criticizing the Lagos State Government over recurring flooding that submerged major roads, stranded motorists, disrupted commercial activities, and left homes underwater across the metropolis.
The downpour lasted several hours and flooded major roads in Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho, and Obalende, forcing many commuters to walk long distances after commercial transportation operators suspended services due to rising floodwaters.
Several drivers were also seen abandoning their vehicles when they broke down while trying to cross waterlogged roadways.
The flooding affected sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, and Lekki-Epe Expressway, causing traffic gridlock throughout the state.
