Environment
Lagos responds to flash floods with drainage cleanup efforts
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
25 Sep 2025 04:42 PM
Lagos, Nigeria – In the wake of recent flash floods that disrupted life across parts of Lagos State, the state government has launched an intensive cleanup operation to clear clogged drainage systems.
The effort, highlighted by a striking image shared by Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, on X on Wednesday, captures a group of workers tackling a severely blocked drainage channel in what appears to be a bustling urban area.
In his accompanying statement, Commissioner Wahab expressed sympathy for residents affected by the floods, acknowledging the discomfort caused by the recent heavy rainfall combined with tidal lock—a natural vulnerability for this coastal city.
He noted that the state government has invested heavily in drainage infrastructure, regular desilting, and enforcement of environmental laws to mitigate flooding.
However, he pointed to specific technical challenges, such as a 1.2-meter height difference in the downstream section of the Kusenla drainage system, and human-induced factors like illegal construction on floodplains and refuse dumping as key contributors to the problem.
The commissioner emphasized the need for public cooperation, urging Lagosians to refrain from dumping waste in drains and to avoid building on flood-prone areas. He assured residents that the flash floods, which have receded since the previous day, are being addressed through ongoing efforts by the Ministry of the Environment.
The government also plans to remove illegal structures and reclamations that exacerbate flooding, with enforcement actions to follow.
The cleanup operation comes as Lagos faces increasing flood risks due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation, including the loss of wetlands.
Experts have long warned that without sustainable infrastructure and community engagement, such incidents will persist.
For now, the state government’s commitment to a “cleaner and more resilient Lagos” hinges on both its infrastructure projects and the cooperation of its citizens.
The effort, highlighted by a striking image shared by Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, on X on Wednesday, captures a group of workers tackling a severely blocked drainage channel in what appears to be a bustling urban area.
In his accompanying statement, Commissioner Wahab expressed sympathy for residents affected by the floods, acknowledging the discomfort caused by the recent heavy rainfall combined with tidal lock—a natural vulnerability for this coastal city.
He noted that the state government has invested heavily in drainage infrastructure, regular desilting, and enforcement of environmental laws to mitigate flooding.
However, he pointed to specific technical challenges, such as a 1.2-meter height difference in the downstream section of the Kusenla drainage system, and human-induced factors like illegal construction on floodplains and refuse dumping as key contributors to the problem.
The commissioner emphasized the need for public cooperation, urging Lagosians to refrain from dumping waste in drains and to avoid building on flood-prone areas. He assured residents that the flash floods, which have receded since the previous day, are being addressed through ongoing efforts by the Ministry of the Environment.
The government also plans to remove illegal structures and reclamations that exacerbate flooding, with enforcement actions to follow.
The cleanup operation comes as Lagos faces increasing flood risks due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation, including the loss of wetlands.
Experts have long warned that without sustainable infrastructure and community engagement, such incidents will persist.
For now, the state government’s commitment to a “cleaner and more resilient Lagos” hinges on both its infrastructure projects and the cooperation of its citizens.
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