As heavy rainfall continues to test infrastructure across Lagos, the state government has defended its flood-control efforts, insisting that years of strategic interventions have significantly reduced the impact of flooding in many parts of the city. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the remarks during an inspection tour of flood-prone communities including Oniru, Chevron Drive, Agungi-Ajiran, Freedom Road and Orange Island, where officials assessed drainage channels and ongoing mitigation projects.
Addressing growing public criticism following recent flash floods, Wahab cautioned against turning environmental challenges into political debates. He argued that the state deserves recognition for the extensive work carried out over the last three years, including the removal of illegal structures on floodplains, the protection of wetlands, stricter waste management policies, and investments in drainage infrastructure. According to him, these measures have helped Lagos manage the effects of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change.
The commissioner highlighted visible improvements in areas such as Chevron Drive and Ajiran Village, where government teams recently cleared major drainage obstructions. He revealed that some of the blocked channels had been encroached upon by developers and land grabbers, slowing the natural flow of water into the lagoon. Following the removal of these structures, authorities recorded noticeable improvements in water discharge within days, reducing the risk of prolonged flooding in surrounding communities.
Wahab also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, particularly against illegal land reclamation and indiscriminate waste disposal. He noted that officials had halted unauthorized developments in key drainage corridors within the Lekki axis, warning that allowing such activities to continue would worsen flooding across the region. He added that offenders caught dumping waste illegally would continue to face prosecution as part of broader efforts to keep drainage systems free of obstruction.
Looking ahead, the state government plans to strengthen waste management operations with the deployment of up to 150 additional waste compactors and the launch of new material recovery facilities and transfer stations. These projects are expected to remove more than 4,000 tonnes of waste daily from the disposal chain, easing pressure on existing infrastructure. Wahab expressed confidence that the combination of improved drainage systems, stronger enforcement and modern waste recovery initiatives will help Lagos build greater resilience against flooding and environmental challenges in the years ahead.
source: vanguard