The Lagos State Government has appealed for calm after flash flooding hit several parts of the state over the past two weeks, announcing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels to boost flood control.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said on Tuesday that the flooding was caused by an extreme weather event that brought unusually heavy rainfall in a short time, overwhelming drainage systems in areas such as Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin and Mafoluku.
He said the situation was not unique to Lagos, as other African countries and parts of North America also experienced heavy rainfall and flooding on the same day.
However, Lagos faces a tougher challenge because of its lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies, which slow the discharge of stormwater, especially during high tide.
Wahab said the government is monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone communities and critical channels, while emergency agencies remain on ground to help floodwaters recede.
He urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drains, reclaiming wetlands and building on drainage paths, warning that such actions worsen flooding.
He added that climate change is making extreme rainfall more frequent worldwide and reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to building a flood-resilient city through infrastructure, enforcement and public cooperation.
Wahab also advised motorists to avoid flooded roads and urged residents to follow weather advisories and safety instructions.
