The Lagos State Government has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels as part of efforts to reduce flooding across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the intervention following recent heavy rainfall that caused flash floods in several parts of Lagos.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the decision on Tuesday in a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.
According to Wahab, the recent downpours were extreme weather events that produced an unusually large volume of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage systems and causing temporary flooding in communities such as Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other areas.
He explained that the flooding was not unique to Lagos, noting that several African countries and parts of North America also experienced similar heavy rainfall on the same day.
The commissioner said Lagos faces greater flood risks because of its unique geography, with numerous lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies affecting the discharge of stormwater into the Atlantic Ocean.
He added that high tide often slows the flow of rainwater into the sea, resulting in temporary flooding, particularly in low-lying communities after intense rainfall.
Wahab assured residents that the government was closely monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and major waterways, while emergency response agencies remained on standby to assist affected communities.
“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,” he said.
He also appealed to residents to support government efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and waterways, illegal reclamation of wetlands and construction on drainage alignments.
According to him, such activities obstruct the free flow of stormwater and significantly increase the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
The commissioner said the impact of climate change was becoming more evident worldwide, with coastal cities experiencing increasingly frequent and intense rainfall.
Despite the challenges, he said the state government remained committed to building a flood-resilient Lagos through sustained investment in drainage infrastructure, environmental enforcement and public cooperation.
Wahab urged residents to keep drainage channels free of waste, report activities capable of obstructing water flow and comply with weather advisories and safety instructions issued by relevant authorities.
He also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall to safeguard lives and property.
The latest measures come after widespread flooding across Lagos in recent weeks submerged major roads, stranded commuters, disrupted businesses and left many homes inundated.
Several major routes, including sections of Ikorodu Road, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, were affected, causing severe traffic congestion and forcing some motorists to abandon their vehicles after they broke down in floodwaters.
