Sanwo-Olu Visits Flood-Ravaged Lekki, Orders Drainage Intervention

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed alarm Wednesday at the extent of flood damage along the Lekki corridor, following an unscheduled inspection of affected communities. The governor attributed the severe flooding to a combination of climate-induced heavy rainfall and human actions that impede natural water flow.

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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 toured areas including Ogombo, Sangotedo, Chevron Drive, Ajiran, and Gbetu-Olorunkemi Road. Accompanied by state officials, he assessed the impact of recent heavy rains and reviewed ongoing drainage management efforts. The inspection aimed to gather firsthand information on residents' challenges and identify immediate and long-term solutions.

"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 stated, emphasizing the importance of preserving waterways. He noted that while the rainfall volume was unusually high, human activities, such as encroachment and blocked drainage systems, had significantly worsened the situation in many locations.

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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.

The governor disclosed that the state government would intensify dredging, excavation, and drainage expansion projects to enhance water flow and mitigate future flood risks. "We need to come regularly to excavate and clear these channels so there will be free flow of water," he said, highlighting that many affected areas lie along natural drainage corridors that historically channeled water into the Lagos Lagoon.

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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 their way into the lagoon.