FG pledges stronger support for Lagos on flooding, water infrastructure

The Federal Government has committed to providing stronger support to Lagos State in its efforts to manage recurring flooding and improve water infrastructure. This agreement deepens collaboration between the federal and state governments on critical areas such as climate resilience, urban water sector reforms, and sanitation.

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The Annual Flood Outlook 2026 issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency identified Lagos as one of the 33 states at high risk of flooding, underscoring the need for proactive planning, early warning systems and stronger intergovernmental collaboration.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, conveyed the federal government's sympathy over recent flood incidents during a visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Utsev highlighted that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency's Annual Flood Outlook 2026 identifies Lagos as one of 33 states at high risk of flooding. He stressed the necessity of proactive planning, early warning systems, and robust intergovernmental cooperation.

Utsev acknowledged that flooding poses a severe challenge to Lagos, particularly during the rainy season, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, transportation, and infrastructure. Factors contributing to the worsening situation include the state's coastal geography, rapid urbanization, climate change, rising sea levels, and increasingly intense rainfall. He commended the state's existing flood risk reduction measures and assured continued federal support for sustainable solutions.

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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.

The minister also welcomed Lagos State's participation in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene program. He urged the state to accelerate its progress toward achieving Open Defecation Free status, especially in underserved areas. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is drafting a National Water Compact to guide reforms through improved policy coordination, institutional collaboration, investment mobilization, and sustainable water resource management, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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a strategic platform for improving water supply and sanitation services through institutional reforms, strengthened governance, enhanced service delivery and performance-based financing.