By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Lagos State Government has urged residents to keep drainage channels free of waste after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods across several parts of the city on Tuesday. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the appeal while addressing the flooding that affected Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other communities. He said the intense rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems within a short period, while urging residents and motorists to follow safety advisories.
Heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems
Wahab explained that the rainfall qualified as an extreme weather event because it released an unusually large volume of water within a short time.
According to him, the heavy downpour exceeded the capacity of some drainage channels, causing temporary flooding in several locations across Lagos.
He noted that the flooding resulted from exceptional rainfall rather than infrastructure failure alone.
Why Lagos experiences frequent flooding
The commissioner said Lagos has a more complex hydrological system than many coastal cities.
He explained that the state has an extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies. Consequently, stormwater often drains more slowly into the Atlantic Ocean during high tide.
According to him, the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and inland waterways delays the discharge of rainwater. As a result, low-lying communities may experience temporary flooding after intense rainfall.
Wahab added that similar weather conditions affected several African countries and parts of North America on the same day.
He stressed that climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall across coastal cities worldwide.
“Lagos is not exempted from these realities. However, the State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a flood-resilient city through sustained infrastructure development, environmental enforcement and active collaboration with residents,” he said.
Government assures residents of ongoing response
Wahab said the Lagos State Government continues to monitor drainage infrastructure, flood-prone communities and major water channels across the state.
He added that emergency response agencies remain on the ground to support affected residents and ensure floodwaters recede as quickly as weather conditions allow.
Furthermore, the government continues to invest in drainage construction, desilting projects, channelisation and other flood control measures.
Residents urged to support flood prevention
The commissioner stressed that flood management requires cooperation between the government and residents.
He urged Lagos residents to stop dumping refuse into drains, canals and waterways because such practices block the free flow of stormwater.
He also warned against illegal wetland reclamation and construction on drainage alignments, saying these activities worsen flooding during heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, motorists should avoid driving through flooded roads during downpours to reduce accidents and vehicle damage.
Residents, especially those living in flood-prone communities, should also follow weather advisories and safety instructions issued daily by relevant government agencies.
According to the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, Wahab said effective environmental responsibility from residents will complement government efforts to build a more flood-resilient Lagos.
