Sanwo-Olu ordered the dredging of 28 more waterways after massive floods hit Lagos

The Lagos State Government has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional main drainage channels as part of efforts to mitigate flooding following recent heavy rains that inundated several areas of the state.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the approval after heavy rains caused flash flooding in many communities, according to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.

Wahab said the flood was caused by unusually heavy rainfall, producing large amounts of rainwater in a short time, flooding the drainage system in several locations.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Government on Tuesday called for calm and understanding from citizens following the massive flash floods experienced in many parts of the state over the past two weeks, and the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional main canals across the state.

“The rain was an extreme weather event that produced very high volumes of water in a short period of time, flooding drainage channels in several locations and causing temporary flooding in parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other areas.”

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According to the commissioner, although flooding hit parts of Lagos, the extreme weather was not unique to the state, noting that similar rainfall events occurred in other African countries and parts of North America on the same day.

He explained that Lagos faces unique flooding challenges due to its geographic location and extensive network of lagoons, rivers, streams and other tidal waters.

Wahab said interactions between the Atlantic Ocean, the Lagos Lagoon and surrounding waterways—especially at high tide—naturally slow the release of rainwater into the sea, making temporary flooding more likely after very heavy rainfall.

He assured residents that the government is actively monitoring drainage systems, flood-prone communities and main waterways, while emergency response agencies remain on standby to provide assistance if needed.

He said, “Lagos State Government remains monitoring the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood prone locations and other critical waterways.”

The commissioner appealed to residents to support flood management efforts in the state by not throwing rubbish into drainage channels, carrying out illegal wetland reclamation, or erecting buildings in designated drainage routes.

He warned that such practices impede the natural flow of rainwater and significantly increase the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

Wahab said, “The impacts of climate change are increasingly evident throughout the world, with coastal cities experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall.

“Lagos is no exception to this reality. However, the State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a flood-resilient city through sustainable infrastructure development, environmental enforcement and active collaboration with citizens.”

He reiterated that flood prevention requires collective responsibility and urged residents to keep drainage channels free of sewage while immediately reporting activities that could hinder the free flow of rainwater.

The commissioner also advised motorists to avoid flooded roads during heavy rains and encouraged residents, especially those living in flood-prone communities, to comply with weather warnings and safety directives issued by relevant government agencies.

Recent heavy rains have sparked widespread frustration among Lagos residents, many of whom have criticized floods that have repeatedly submerged major roads, disrupted business activities, stranded commuters and left some homes submerged in water.

Flooding hit major routes including Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, forcing many passengers to abandon commercial transport and continue their journey on foot after transport operators suspended services due to rising water levels.

Several motorists also abandoned their vehicles after getting stuck or breaking down while trying to navigate flooded roads.

Flooding extended to parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, adding to traffic congestion across the metropolis as emergency teams worked to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains.