Lagos Commits to Infrastructure Improvements to Address Flooding

The Lagos State Government has restated its resolve to strengthen and expand durable drainage infrastructure across the state to mitigate flooding.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed this commitment while addressing journalists after inspecting several ongoing drainage projects.

He noted that the intense rainfall experienced early in the year underscored the realities of climate change and global warming. Wahab explained that the inspection was prompted by whistleblower reports of encroachment along the System 46 drainage corridor, warning that such actions could distort the drainage alignment and have long-term consequences for the Ikota River channel if left unchecked.

According to him, the government will continue to intensify public awareness campaigns and infrastructure upgrades to protect lives and property. He added that rainfall had been unusually persistent, stretching from December into January, even as the ministry resumed its routine activities for the year.

Wahab disclosed that those responsible for the encroachment had been served stop-work orders and that warning signposts would be installed at the site. He also acknowledged complaints about flooding around the Mobil area in Ikota, recalling that earlier violations along the System 44 drainage alignment were cleared two years ago.

He said contractors are currently working to resolve flooding in the area, with sections of the drainage temporarily dammed to allow construction. He added that the contractors had been directed to speed up work, noting that about 800 metres remain to be completed upstream and another 800 metres downstream toward the Ikota River.

At Ikate, Wahab revealed that contracts had been awarded for concrete lining of drainage channels and the construction of a pumping station to address flooding challenges.

Other locations inspected during the tour included Ogombo Road at the Wetland Sandfilling Site, LSDPC Treasure Estate along Evan Ikoku Road off Coastal Road, Lekki II–Ikota along the System 44 Drainage Channel in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, System 156 along Coastal Road, and the Kusenla Drainage Channel.