Lagos State is once again facing severe flooding and widespread road damage as the rainy season intensifies.
Floodwaters have overrun several areas on the island, including Lekki, Ajegunle and parts of Ikorodu. The state government has warned that conditions will worsen in the coming days, urging residents to avoid flood-prone areas and move to higher ground. Authorities identified Ajilete, Majidun and OPIC Estate as high-risk zones, advising residents to temporarily relocate.
In response to the damage and mounting complaints from Lagosians, the state has launched a drainage rehabilitation project aimed at easing the crisis.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab made the announcement during an inspection of the ongoing 4.2-kilometer concrete lining drainage project that spans Ikeja and Kosofe local government areas.
He said the project, approved in 2024, will be executed in phases over 24 months. The trapezoidal drain, a 25-meter-wide system, will discharge downstream beneath the new Maryland bridge.
“There are three legs to the Odo Iyalaro (System 1) project,” Wahab explained. “One is coming from Ogba, another from behind Sheraton, and there will be a confluence around the Maryland bridge. Work will start from Sheraton Bridge back to Maryland, and the Ministry of Infrastructure will construct roads alongside it. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months.”
Wahab also cautioned against encroaching on drainage rights-of-way. “We will keep appealing to those in the habit of encroaching on the drainage right-of-way to stop, as we will not hesitate to wield the big stick when necessary,” he said.
The commissioner revealed that the state is stepping up enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics. He also issued a cease-and-desist order to properties around the Ogudu section of Odo Iyalaro downstream for creating illegal refuse dumps.
“We noticed some houses are already making makeshift dustbins around their homes,” Wahab said. “They will be served notices to desist. If not, we risk waking up one day to find an illegal dumpsite in the area, and we don’t want that to happen.”
Although Lagos is currently the most affected, the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment has projected heavy rainfall across 19 states and 76 locations nationwide over the next five days. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency warned that Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom will be hit hardest, with rainfall lasting between 250 to 290 days in some areas.
The forecasted states include Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Cross River, Nasarawa, Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Borno, Plateau, Niger, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto and Gombe.
With worsening weather conditions ahead, residents are urged to heed warnings, relocate from high-risk areas and comply with environmental laws to prevent further damage.
If you live in a flood-prone zone, move to safer ground and follow all government advisories and report any illegal dumping or drainage encroachment to local authorities. Your vigilance can help protect lives and property.
