Sanwo-Olu approves dredging of 28 drainage channels to tackle Lagos floods

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has authorized the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state in response to recent widespread flooding. The decision follows an "extreme weather event" characterized by heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the city's drainage systems.

“

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday called for calm and understanding from residents following the massive flash flooding experienced in many parts of the state over the last two weeks, with the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approving the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary channels across the state.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, stated that the intense downpours over the past two weeks caused temporary flooding in numerous areas, including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, and Mafoluku. Wahab emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, noting similar extreme rainfall affected other regions globally on the same days.

“

The rainfalls were an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage channels in some locations and resulting in temporary flooding across parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, and several other areas.

Wahab explained that Lagos faces unique hydrological challenges due to its extensive network of lagoons, rivers, and tidal water bodies. The interaction between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagos Lagoon, especially during high tides, naturally impedes stormwater discharge into the sea. This leads to temporary flooding in low-lying areas after exceptionally heavy rainfall.

“

The Lagos State Government remains fully on top of the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and other critical water channels.

The commissioner assured residents that the state government is actively monitoring drainage infrastructure and flood-prone zones. Emergency response agencies are on standby to assist affected communities. Wahab also appealed to residents to cooperate by refraining from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and waterways, illegal reclamation of wetlands, and construction on drainage alignments, as these actions obstruct water flow and exacerbate flooding.

“

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across the world, with coastal cities experiencing more frequent and