Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced plans to review the master plans of flood-prone communities across the state, particularly within the Lekki corridor, as part of measures to address persistent flooding and restore the integrity of natural drainage systems.
The governor disclosed this on Wednesday during an extensive inspection tour of flood-affected communities in Ogombo, Monastery Road in Sangotedo, Chevron Drive and Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, as well as Gbetu-Olorunkemi Road in Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.
Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commissioners and other members of the State Executive Council, inspected major drainage channels, tributaries and waterways affected by the recent heavy rainfall.
Addressing journalists while standing in floodwaters at Awoyaya, the governor said the review of community master plans had become necessary to identify and correct infractions that have contributed to flooding in several parts of Lagos.
According to him, the exercise will examine developments that have encroached on natural waterways and drainage alignments, with a view to restoring proper water flow and strengthening flood resilience.
“We will review some of the existing master plans in these communities to determine where infractions have occurred and what corrective actions are required. We need to ensure that developments align with environmental realities and that natural waterways are preserved,” he said.
The governor attributed the flooding experienced in many parts of the Lekki corridor to a combination of unusually heavy rainfall, climate change and human activities that obstruct natural drainage channels.
“What we are being very intentional about is ensuring that water flows through its natural channels because Lagos is surrounded by water and several tributaries,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He noted that while the volume of rainfall recorded in recent weeks was exceptionally high, human actions had significantly worsened the situation.
“In all of the places we visited today, there is a natural occurrence and there is also a human factor. Over the years, developments have come to meet natural bodies of water. In some places, people without approvals have restricted the flow of these waterways. Those actions are responsible for the slow movement of rainwater, which eventually results in flooding,” he said.
The governor explained that many of the tributaries and wetlands inspected during the tour have existed for decades and once served as natural channels through which water flowed freely into the Lagos Lagoon.
He said illegal developments, encroachment and blocked drainage systems had reduced the carrying capacity of several waterways, making surrounding communities more vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state government would intensify dredging, excavation and drainage expansion projects across affected communities.
“We need to come regularly to excavate and clear these channels so there will be free flow of water. Once the waterways are maintained, the water will eventually find its way into the lagoon,” he said.
The governor described the recent rainfall pattern as a consequence of changing climatic conditions across the world, noting that Lagos, like many coastal cities, was experiencing the effects of climate change.
“The volume of water recorded in the last three to four weeks is largely due to natural causes. Climate change is real, and we are seeing heavier rainfall across the world. We cannot stop the rain, but we can continue to improve our infrastructure to manage it,” he stated.
Using a household analogy, Sanwo-Olu explained how blocked drainage systems contribute to flooding.
“If your kitchen sink is blocked with waste, water will not flow freely. The same thing happens when our drainage channels are filled with refuse or other materials. It is our responsibility to remove those obstructions,” he said.
The governor stressed that environmental management requires collective responsibility and urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drains and waterways.
“We all have a role to play. The media has a responsibility to educate the public, citizens must act responsibly, and government has the responsibility to provide the necessary infrastructure. It is only when we all play our part that we can achieve better results,” he added.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and member representing Eti-Osa Constituency I, Chief Noheem Adams, commended the governor for personally visiting the affected communities.
Adams said residents of communities such as Ajiran, Monastery Road, Ologolo, Alpha Beach, Ogombo and Lekki Gardens had been deeply concerned by the flooding and welcomed the governor’s intervention.
“We thank the Governor of Lagos State for listening to the cries of the people of Eti-Osa and for personally coming to assess the flooding situation. The governor did not just receive reports; he came here himself and even stepped into the floodwaters. That shows he is a leader who genuinely cares about the welfare of the people,” Adams said.
The lawmaker expressed confidence that the inspection would lead to both immediate and long-term interventions to address flooding in the area.
He added that residents were being sensitised through local government and community structures on the need to avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels and to comply with environmental regulations.
Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with residents whose homes and property were damaged by the flooding, assuring them that government would assess affected communities and provide relief where necessary.
“We want to commiserate with families that have suffered losses. We will visit other affected communities and see what kind of relief we can provide. Our relief centres are already receiving people, and we will continue to support those in need,” he said.
The governor warned that the rainy season was far from over and urged residents living in flood-prone areas to heed weather advisories and relocate temporarily to safer and higher ground where necessary.
He assured residents that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and other relevant agencies would continue monitoring vulnerable communities and implementing measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding across the state.