Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels following recent flooding recorded in several parts of the state.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.
According to Wahab, the recent downpour across Lagos was an extreme weather event that generated an unusually high volume of water within a short period and exceeded the capacity of drainage systems in some locations.
The rainfall led to temporary flooding in communities including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin and Mafoluku.
“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.”
Wahab explained that the situation was not unique to Lagos, noting that similar rainfall patterns had affected other African countries and parts of North America during the same period.
He added that Lagos faces more complicated water management challenges because of its large network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water systems.
According to him, the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and surrounding water bodies—especially during high tide—slows the movement of stormwater into the sea, increasing the chances of temporary flooding in low-lying areas after heavy rainfall.
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He assured residents that the government remains actively engaged in monitoring drainage systems, flood-prone communities and major water channels while emergency response teams continue to assist affected residents.
“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 appealed to residents to support flood prevention efforts by avoiding the dumping of refuse into drainage channels, illegal reclamation of wetlands and construction activities that obstruct waterways.
He warned that such actions restrict water movement and contribute to worsening floods.
“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.”
Wahab further stressed that flood control requires collective responsibility and urged residents to keep drainage systems clear and report activities that may block stormwater flow.
He also advised motorists to avoid flooded roads during rainfall and encouraged people living in flood-prone communities to follow weather updates and safety directives issued by government authorities.
The recent rainfall triggered public criticism across Lagos after floodwaters submerged roads, disrupted businesses, stranded commuters and affected residential areas.
Several roads across Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende were affected, with many commuters forced to continue their journeys on foot after transport services were disrupted.
Flooding also extended to parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, worsening traffic congestion across the state.