The Lagos State Government has reiterated that flash flooding will continue to pose a challenge in parts of the state due to its coastal geography and climate change impacts. However, it has assured residents of its unwavering commitment to constructing and upgrading drainage infrastructure that can withstand such environmental pressures.
The assurance was given by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a recent inspection tour to assess ongoing drainage and urban regeneration projects across key locations including Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Parkview Estate.
Wahab highlighted that the Lagos Island Urban Regeneration Project, once completed, will provide a lasting solution to the persistent flooding issues in the area and its environs. He expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance and progress by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), all involved in the regeneration efforts.
The Commissioner also inspected the secondary collector drain lining works at Gorodom Market, noting significant progress and expressing confidence in the project’s direction.
In Ikoyi, Wahab and his team evaluated the drainage systems around the Turnbull/Banana Island Road corridor, an area known for frequent flash floods. Investigations revealed a blocked underground culvert near the shoreline off Turnbull entrance, which contributed to recent flooding after heavy rainfall. Remedial actions have been carried out, including upgrades to the drainage infrastructure.
Wahab explained that the rapid development on Banana Island has surpassed the capacity of the existing tertiary drains, prompting the government to consider upgrading one of them to a secondary collector drain. This would help channel floodwater from Shoreline and Banana Island Road to the main collector at Mojisola Onikoyi, eventually discharging into the Lagoon.
The team also visited other critical sites, including Underbridge Idumagbo and under the Third Mainland Bridge near Oja Oba Street off Adeniji Adele Road. These locations had previously undergone enforcement operations to remove illegal structures and street trading activities. However, during the inspection, traders were found to have returned to the spaces, prompting a fresh directive for immediate evacuation.
Wahab emphasized the need for organized trading activities, noting that while the government supports commercial activity, it must be conducted in a regulated and safe manner that does not obstruct drainage systems or compromise public infrastructure.
He disclosed that the state government, through LASPARK, is working with private individuals interested in transforming spaces under bridges into public parks. Designs have already been shared, and affected areas will be cordoned off for proper redevelopment.
At Parkview Estate, the Commissioner reviewed the drainage project designed to redirect stormwater from Femi Pedro Avenue into the Lagoon. The project is expected to be completed within the next 90 days, and Wahab expressed satisfaction with the work done by the contractors so far.
He stressed that Lagos, being a low-lying coastal state, is particularly vulnerable to climate change effects such as rising sea levels, extreme rainfall, and flash floods. As such, the government is determined to enhance its drainage infrastructure while also addressing the human factors—like indiscriminate waste disposal—that worsen flooding.
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro, who joined the inspection at Parkview Estate, lauded the state government for its intervention. He noted that the upgraded secondary collector drains along Olufemi Pedro Avenue and Agodogba Estate are significantly deeper and larger, which would help eliminate flooding in the area. Pedro also assured that residents will take ownership of the infrastructure once completed.
The inspection team included key officials such as the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi; General Manager, LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi; and directors from relevant ministries and agencies.
Key project sites visited during the tour included:
Oroyinyin
Under Third Mainland Bridge (Oja Oba Street, off Adeniji Adele Road)
Idumagbo Underbridge
Gorodom Market
Shoreline Estate Collector Drain
Onikoyi / Banana Island Road Collector Drain
Parkview Estate (Femi Pedro Collector and Agodogba Collector Drain)
The Lagos State Government continues to call on residents to play their part by maintaining proper waste disposal practices and refraining from actions that compromise the city’s drainage infrastructure.
