Human actions worsen flooding in Lagos – Govt
Lagos State Government Addresses Recurring Flooding Issues
Lagos State officials have acknowledged that human activities are significantly contributing to flooding problems across the region. Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, made this statement during a strategic meeting with a disaster risk management team from the World Bank on Wednesday at Alausa.
Wahab noted that while Lagos is inherently vulnerable to flooding due to its coastal geography, practices such as construction on floodplains, obstructing drainage systems, and the destruction of mangroves have exacerbated the issue.
He highlighted that approximately 25 percent of Lagos is covered by water and that the state is bordered by around 486 kilometers of the Atlantic Ocean, factors that heighten its exposure to flash flooding. “These are natural realities that expose the state to flash flooding,” Wahab said.
The commissioner explained that mangroves and wetlands act as natural barriers against flooding, but encroachment and environmental degradation have diminished their effectiveness. He reiterated the importance of early warning systems and reported that the state government releases alerts annually to warn residents about potential environmental dangers, including heavy rainfall and rising sea levels.
As the Nigerian Meteorological Agency prepares to release its rainfall forecast later this month, Wahab assured that the government would continue to communicate warnings to residents and relevant agencies, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Despite continuous investments in drainage infrastructure and ongoing maintenance of waterways, Wahab emphasized that flooding cannot be entirely prevented. He explained that during intense rain, tidal lock occurs, hindering stormwater from draining into the lagoon or sea, irrespective of existing infrastructure. “When tidal lock happens, stormwater cannot flow out, even with resilient infrastructure,” he stated.
Wahab also mentioned that the government is strictly enforcing environmental regulations to counter practices that worsen flooding, emphasizing the necessity of reconciling urban development with environmental sustainability. He further pointed out that the decision to ban single-use plastics was motivated by local environmental conditions, as plastic waste can obstruct drainage channels and increase flooding risks.
Mosope George, the state’s Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, spoke at the meeting, indicating that the collaboration with the World Bank aims to identify areas at high risk for disasters and enhance response mechanisms.
Francis Nkonka, the World Bank’s Team Lead and Senior Disaster Management Specialist, noted that the purpose of the engagement is to evaluate gaps in Lagos State’s emergency preparedness and response systems. He reported that their team has visited local fire and rescue agencies, identifying challenges related to equipment, facilities, personnel, and data management. The World Bank plans to provide technical and financial assistance to improve disaster risk management, positioning Lagos as a potential model for other regions in the country.
