Follow Us on Google
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has waded through floodwaters in parts of the Lekki corridor as he ordered immediate drainage and dredging interventions in communities ravaged by recent flooding, blaming the disaster on a combination of climate change and human encroachment on natural waterways.
The governor, who led a high-powered delegation on an inspection of affected communities, assured residents that the state government would accelerate drainage expansion, excavation, and relief efforts to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
Sanwo-Olu visited Ogombo, Monastery Road in Sangotedo, Chevron Drive, Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, as well as Gbetu-Olorunkemi Road in Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki, where he assessed the extent of the damage caused by weeks of torrential rainfall.
He was accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commissioners, and other members of the State Executive Council.
Addressing journalists while standing in floodwaters at Awoyaya, the governor said the visit was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the situation and identifying both 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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu explained that while the state had experienced unusually heavy rainfall over the past three to four weeks, indiscriminate developments, blocked drainage systems, and encroachment on wetlands had significantly worsened flooding across several communities.
“In all 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, while in some places people have illegally restricted the natural flow of waterways,” he said.
According to the governor, many of the affected channels have existed for decades and were originally designed by nature to convey stormwater into the Lagos Lagoon, but increasing urbanisation has reduced their capacity.
He announced that the government would intensify dredging, excavation, and the clearing of blocked drainage channels to restore the free flow of water.
“We need to come regularly to excavate and clear these channels so there will be a free flow of water. Once the waterways are maintained, the water will eventually find its way into the lagoon,” he stated.
Describing the flooding as one of the visible impacts of climate change, Sanwo-Olu said many countries were currently battling more intense rainfall and extreme weather conditions.
“The volume of water recorded in the last three to four weeks is largely due to natural causes. Climate change is real, and we are seeing heavier rainfall across the world. We cannot stop the rain, but we can continue to improve our infrastructure to manage it,” he said.
Other News
Using the analogy of a blocked household sink, the governor stressed that drainage systems clogged with refuse would inevitably result in flooding.
“If your kitchen sink is blocked with waste, water will not flow freely. The same thing happens when our drainage channels are filled with refuse or other materials. It is our responsibility to remove those obstructions,” he added.
He called on residents to support government efforts by keeping drainage channels free of refuse and complying with environmental regulations, stressing that tackling flooding requires collective responsibility.
“We all have a role to play. Government will continue to provide infrastructure, residents must act responsibly and the media must continue to educate the public,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with families whose homes and property were affected, assuring them that the government would assess the level of damage and provide necessary relief.
“We want to commiserate with families that have suffered losses. We will continue to visit affected communities while our relief centres remain open to support those in need,” he said.
Warning that the rainy season was far from over, the governor urged residents in flood-prone areas to heed weather advisories and relocate to safer locations where necessary.
He assured Lagosians that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, alongside other agencies, would sustain monitoring and intervention efforts in vulnerable communities across the state.
Speaking during the inspection, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Chief Noheem Adams, commended the governor for personally visiting the affected communities instead of relying solely on official reports.
He said residents of Ajiran, Monastery Road, Ologolo, Alpha Beach, Ogombo, and Lekki Gardens had been deeply worried by the flooding but were encouraged by the governor’s hands-on response.
“The governor did not just receive reports; he came here himself and even stepped into the floodwaters. That demonstrates genuine leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people,” Adams said.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that the inspection would pave the way for both immediate relief measures and lasting engineering solutions, while urging residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels and comply with environmental regulations to reduce future flooding.
