Sanwo-Olu Approves Dredging of 28 Drainage Channels to Tackle Lagos Flooding

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels following the widespread flooding that recently affected several parts of the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the approval in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.

According to Wahab, the recent heavy rainfall was an extreme weather event that generated an unusually large volume of stormwater within a short period, overwhelming drainage infrastructure in several locations.

He said the downpours caused temporary flooding in communities including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other parts of the metropolis.

The commissioner explained that while the flooding disrupted movement and commercial activities, similar weather conditions were experienced in other African countries and parts of North America on the same day.

Wahab noted that Lagos faces additional challenges because of its unique geography, with numerous lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies influencing the movement of stormwater.

According to him, high tide often slows the discharge of rainwater into the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in temporary flooding in low-lying areas during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall.

He assured residents that the state government was continuously monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone communities and major waterways to minimise the impact of flooding.

Emergency response agencies, he added, remain on standby to provide support wherever necessary.

Wahab also urged residents to complement government efforts by avoiding indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drains and waterways, illegal reclamation of wetlands and construction on drainage alignments.

He warned that such activities obstruct the free flow of stormwater and increase the severity of flooding during heavy rainfall.

The commissioner further observed that climate change has continued to increase the frequency and intensity of rainfall across many coastal cities worldwide, with Lagos experiencing similar effects.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a flood-resilient city through sustained investment in drainage infrastructure, environmental enforcement and public cooperation.

Residents were also advised to comply with official weather advisories, avoid driving through flooded roads and report activities capable of blocking drainage channels.

The latest intervention follows widespread flooding that recently submerged major roads, stranded commuters, disrupted businesses and damaged vehicles in several parts of Lagos after prolonged rainfall.