Sanwo-Olu Orders Emergency Dredging of 28 Channels as Lagos Battles Flash Floods

Sanwo-Olu Orders Emergency Dredging of 28 Channels as Lagos Battles Flash Floods

 

The Lagos State Government has announced immediate measures to tackle the flash floods that have disrupted movement and stranded residents across the metropolis, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approving the emergency dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels.

The intervention follows days of intense rainfall that triggered widespread flooding in several parts of the state, such as Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other low-lying communities, leaving many roads impassable and commuters stranded.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, appealed to residents to remain calm, describing the flooding as the result of an extreme weather event that dumped an unusually high volume of rainfall within a short period, overwhelming drainage channels in several locations.

According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, the commissioner explained that the situation was not unique to Lagos, noting that several cities across Africa and even North America experienced similar flooding from the same weather system.

Wahab said Lagos faces a more complex challenge because of its unique coastal geography, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Lagos Lagoon and an extensive network of rivers, creeks and lagoons. He explained that during periods of high tide, stormwater takes longer to discharge into the sea, leading to temporary flooding in vulnerable areas after exceptionally heavy rainfall.

He assured residents that the state government was closely monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone communities and major waterways, while emergency response agencies had been deployed to accelerate the recession of floodwaters and provide assistance where necessary.

The commissioner stressed that the government would continue investing heavily in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting and other flood-control projects, but insisted that residents must also play their part by protecting public drainage systems.

He warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and canals, illegal reclamation of wetlands, and construction on drainage alignments, saying such practices obstruct the free flow of stormwater and significantly worsen flooding.

Wahab also attributed the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall to the growing impact of climate change, noting that coastal cities around the world are experiencing more severe weather events.

“Lagos is not exempt from these realities. However, the State Government remains committed to building a flood-resilient city through sustained infrastructure development, environmental enforcement and active collaboration with residents,” he said.

He further advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to pay close attention to weather advisories and safety directives issued by relevant government agencies.

The government’s appeal came after hours of heavy rain on Tuesday triggered fresh flooding across several parts of Lagos, disrupting traffic and leaving many residents stranded. Videos and photographs shared on social media by residents and celebrities showed submerged roads and flooded neighbourhoods, renewing concerns over the city’s drainage capacity despite ongoing investments in flood-control infrastructure.

Background

Lagos experiences seasonal flooding during the rainy season due to its low-lying coastal location, rapid urbanisation and high population density. The state government has, in recent years, embarked on extensive drainage expansion, canal desilting and enforcement against illegal structures blocking waterways to reduce flood risks.

Weather authorities have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the intensity of rainfall across Nigeria’s coastal states, making flash floods more frequent. The Lagos State Government has consistently urged residents to complement its efforts by keeping drainage channels free of refuse and avoiding activities that obstruct the natural flow of stormwater.