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From Idu Jude Abuja
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency on flooding, while planning for permanent solutions to the annual menace.
The group while calling on government agencies at all levels, estate developers, community leaders, and residents appeals for proactive measures to tackle recurring flooding, which has become a major environmental challenge.
The organisation made the call while expressing sympathy for individuals, businesses, and communities affected by the recent flooding in Lagos State, following prolonged and heavy rainfall.
In a statement issued by Princess Hamman-Obels, Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, the organisation said communities including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ikeja, Ajah, Lekki, Victoria Island, Mushin, Mafoloku, Ikorodu, Oshodi, Ikotun, Maryland, Ogudu, Alakija, Agungi, Ajiran and parts of Lagos Island were affected by the floods.
According to the statement, homes and businesses were submerged, major roads became impassable, electricity infrastructure was damaged, commuters were stranded and economic activities were disrupted.
IRIAD attributed the severity of the flooding not only to heavy rainfall but also to blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, inadequate drainage infrastructure, illegal construction on drainage channels and wetlands, poor urban planning, rapid urbanisation, and the growing impact of climate change.
The organisation noted that the recurring floods have resulted in the displacement of residents, destruction of property, transportation disruptions, power outages, and increased public health and environmental risks.
It emphasized that flooding should no longer be viewed as a seasonal occurrence, but rather as a serious environmental and development emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.
IRIAD urged governments to prioritise the rehabilitation and expansion of drainage infrastructure, enforce physical planning and environmental laws, strengthen waste management systems, improve early warning mechanisms and integrate climate adaptation into development planning.
The organisation also advised estate developers to comply with planning regulations, avoid construction on floodplains and wetlands, and adopt climate-resilient designs in their projects.It further appealed to residents to dispose of waste responsibly, keep drainage channels free of refuse, participate in community sanitation exercises, and comply with weather advisories issued by relevant authorities.
As part of its recommendations, IRIAD called on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations contained in the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Annual Flood Outlook 2026, including strengthening flood forecasting, early warning systems, river basin management and climate adaptation initiatives.
The group also urged the Lagos State Government to intensify enforcement of urban planning regulations, improve drainage infrastructure, strengthen environmental sanitation campaigns and enhance flood preparedness across vulnerable communities.
Traditional rulers and community leaders were encouraged to mobilise residents for environmental sanitation, promote compliance with environmental regulations and support flood preparedness initiatives.
IRIAD further called on civil society organisations to intensify their advocacy, public education, and community mobilisation efforts on environmental protection, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness.
”The recent flooding underscores the urgent need to shift from reactive disaster response to proactive prevention, preparedness and resilience building,” the organisation said.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting evidence-based research, policy advocacy, civic engagement and sustainable development aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, environmental governance and climate resilience across Nigeria.
The organisation made the call while expressing sympathy for individuals, businesses, and communities affected by the recent flooding in Lagos State, following prolonged and heavy rainfall.
In a statement issued by Princess Hamman-Obels, Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, the organisation said communities including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ikeja, Ajah, Lekki, Victoria Island, Mushin, Mafoloku, Ikorodu, Oshodi, Ikotun, Maryland, Ogudu, Alakija, Agungi, Ajiran and parts of Lagos Island were affected by the floods.
According to the statement, homes and businesses were submerged, major roads became impassable, electricity infrastructure was damaged, commuters were stranded and economic activities were disrupted.
IRIAD attributed the severity of the flooding not only to heavy rainfall but also to blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, inadequate drainage infrastructure, illegal construction on drainage channels and wetlands, poor urban planning, rapid urbanisation, and the growing impact of climate change.
The organisation noted that the recurring floods have resulted in the displacement of residents, destruction of property, transportation disruptions, power outages, and increased public health and environmental risks.
It emphasized that flooding should no longer be viewed as a seasonal occurrence, but rather as a serious environmental and development emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.
IRIAD urged governments to prioritise the rehabilitation and expansion of drainage infrastructure, enforce physical planning and environmental laws, strengthen waste management systems, improve early warning mechanisms and integrate climate adaptation into development planning.
The organisation also advised estate developers to comply with planning regulations, avoid construction on floodplains and wetlands, and adopt climate-resilient designs in their projects.It further appealed to residents to dispose of waste responsibly, keep drainage channels free of refuse, participate in community sanitation exercises, and comply with weather advisories issued by relevant authorities.
As part of its recommendations, IRIAD called on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations contained in the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Annual Flood Outlook 2026, including strengthening flood forecasting, early warning systems, river basin management and climate adaptation initiatives.
The group also urged the Lagos State Government to intensify enforcement of urban planning regulations, improve drainage infrastructure, strengthen environmental sanitation campaigns and enhance flood preparedness across vulnerable communities.
Traditional rulers and community leaders were encouraged to mobilise residents for environmental sanitation, promote compliance with environmental regulations and support flood preparedness initiatives.
IRIAD further called on civil society organisations to intensify their advocacy, public education, and community mobilisation efforts on environmental protection, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness.
”The recent flooding underscores the urgent need to shift from reactive disaster response to proactive prevention, preparedness and resilience building,” the organisation said.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting evidence-based research, policy advocacy, civic engagement and sustainable development aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, environmental governance and climate resilience across Nigeria.
