Residents of Ikota and parts of Lekki on Lagos Island have accused the Lagos State Government of failing to address the worsening flood crisis in their communities, blaming the devastation on blocked drainage systems and unchecked illegal developments.
Tuesday’s heavy downpour left entire streets submerged, homes and businesses damaged, and residents wading through knee-deep water to salvage belongings. Many said they were stranded for hours, with some unable to get home until late at night.
“This is no way to live,” a visibly frustrated resident told reporters. “Every time it rains, it feels like a disaster. We keep losing our property while the government looks away.”
The residents pointed to illegal structures on canals, especially those obstructing the System 156 and 157 drainage channels, as the major cause of the flooding. They accused developers of blocking waterways and claimed the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has failed to enforce urban planning regulations.
“Until the government restores this area according to the original drainage master plan, the flooding will not stop,” another resident said.
Urban planners have confirmed that Lagos’ master plan prohibits construction on waterways, but enforcement has been inconsistent. Many residents believe influential developers are being shielded from sanctions by the government, leaving ordinary Lagosians to bear the consequences.
Environmental experts have warned that the flooding crisis poses a serious threat to public health, as stagnant water increases the risk of waterborne diseases.
“Every illegal structure is a ticking time bomb once the rains come,” an environmental activist warned, calling for the immediate demolition of encroachments and clearing of canals.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, acknowledged the flooding in a statement on his X account, blaming it partly on illegal construction and indiscriminate dumping of refuse. He sympathized with affected residents and promised that the government would step up enforcement efforts.
Despite these assurances, residents have taken to social media demanding urgent action to save their communities from further destruction.
