Lagos govt defends flood control measures, warns against politicising rainfall crisis
Lagos State Government Defends Flood Control Efforts
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to flood control and environmental management, asserting that ongoing interventions in drainage systems, wetlands, and floodplains have significantly mitigated the effects of heavy rainfall despite the challenges posed by climate change.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made these remarks on Saturday during an inspection of drainage infrastructure and flood-prone areas in Oniru, Chevron Drive, Agungi-Ajiran, Freedom Road, and Orange Island.
In response to recent criticisms following flash floods in various parts of Lagos, Wahab called out individuals attempting to politicize the issue. He described such reactions as unfair to the officials diligently working to address the city’s environmental challenges.
Wahab noted that the government has implemented long-term measures over the past three years aimed at reducing flooding and enhancing environmental sustainability throughout the state.
“Some people are politicizing the issue, but that is their choice this season. They are not giving enough credit to the team for the extensive work being done day and night,” he said.
He outlined a systematic approach to solutions that began three years ago, which includes improving waste management, banning certain plastics, clearing encroachments on floodplains, reclaiming wetlands, and expanding drainage infrastructure.
The commissioner added that several strategies currently deployed in Lagos are now being contemplated by other African cities facing similar flooding issues. “If you listened to the President of Ghana’s recent speech after flooding in Accra, many of the measures they plan to adopt are ones Lagos has already implemented for the past three years,” Wahab said.
He emphasized that many affected areas experience temporary flash floods that recede within hours rather than large-scale flooding.
Highlighting recent progress, Wahab noted significant improvements around Chevron Drive and the Gravitas area following the removal of structures obstructing drainage channels. He recounted an enforcement operation where some land grabbers attempted to thwart government efforts by mobilizing armed personnel against officials performing their duties.
“We discovered massive encroachments by some individuals under the guise of land possession. Just two days later, they returned with armed policemen to prevent government officials from reopening the drainage channel leading to the lagoon. Thankfully, we were able to overcome that challenge,” he stated.
Wahab reported that significant improvements in drainage flow were observed within 72 hours, alleviating flooding in Ajiran village and neighboring communities.
The inspection was also intended to engage with residents, assess vulnerable areas, and identify locations requiring permanent engineering solutions. He indicated that officials revisited a site where illegal land reclamation had previously been halted due to its importance as a discharge route for floodwater from the Lekki axis.
“We stopped illegal reclamation activities last year at this location. There was no Environmental Impact Assessment or drainage approval, yet it serves as a crucial discharge point for the entire Lekki corridor into the lagoon. Ignoring such activities would be grossly irresponsible,” Wahab said.