The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to address persistent flooding in Lagos, with the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev announcing additional measures to strengthen drainage and flood-control infrastructure across affected areas.
Utsev disclosed this during engagements with the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders, as authorities intensified efforts to find lasting solutions to the flooding challenges confronting parts of the state.
The minister said the Federal Government was working with the Lagos State Government on measures aimed at improving the flow and evacuation of floodwater, including interventions around the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.
He also directed the dredging of the sand-filled Kuramo Lagoon as part of efforts to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas.
Utsev maintained that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was not responsible for the flooding recorded in parts of the state, explaining that the project was designed with drainage infrastructure intended to support the evacuation of stormwater.
He attributed part of the recurring flooding to environmental factors, including indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked drainage channels, which he said hinder the effective movement of floodwater.
“We are ready to work closely with Lagos State to strengthen flood resilience through integrated water resources management, improved drainage infrastructure, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and enhanced institutional coordination,” he said.
The minister also welcomed Lagos State’s interest in joining the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, SURWASH, programme, describing it as a strategic initiative designed to improve water supply and sanitation through institutional reforms, enhanced governance, better service delivery and performance-based financing.
The Federal Government’s latest intervention followed renewed concerns over flooding in Lagos and growing calls for closer coordination between federal and state authorities to tackle the problem.
Utsev also highlighted the launch of the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, noting that both initiatives are expected to improve flood prediction, support timely response and strengthen emergency preparedness.
“The systems will strengthen flood forecasting, support early action and improve coordination among governments, communities and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of flooding,” he added.
In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked the minister for the visit and appreciated the Federal Government’s continued support in addressing flood-related challenges confronting the state.
The governor noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial and economic hub, remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly flooding and other environmental pressures.
“There is a need for sustained collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in implementing practical and sustainable measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The government also stressed the importance of cooperation among relevant agencies, residents and other stakeholders in maintaining drainage infrastructure and preventing activities that could worsen flooding.
The renewed measures are expected to complement ongoing flood-control initiatives by the Lagos State Government and provide a more coordinated response to the state’s recurring flooding challenges.
The meeting concluded with both governments reiterating their commitment to building a cleaner, healthier, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos through increased investment in water infrastructure, improved sanitation services and coordinated flood management initiatives.
