Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels as part of renewed efforts to tackle flooding across the state following days of heavy rainfall.

The approval comes after widespread flash floods submerged major roads and communities across Lagos, disrupting transportation, commercial activities and daily life in several parts of the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry's spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.

According to Wahab, the recent downpours were an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of rainfall within a short period, overwhelming drainage infrastructure in several locations.

Flooding Hits Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja and Other Areas

The commissioner said communities including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin and Mafoluku experienced temporary flooding as drainage channels struggled to cope with the intensity of the rainfall.

He noted that while the flooding caused significant disruption, the situation reflected a broader climate challenge affecting cities around the world.

"The rainfalls were an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage channels in some locations and resulting in temporary flooding across parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other areas."

Why Lagos Is More Vulnerable to Flooding

Wahab explained that Lagos faces unique hydrological challenges because of its extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks and tidal water bodies.

According to him, the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and other waterways, particularly during high tide, slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea, increasing the likelihood of temporary flooding in low-lying communities after intense rainfall.

He added that similar extreme weather conditions were recorded in several African countries and parts of North America on the same day, underscoring the growing impact of climate change.

Government Steps Up Flood Response

The commissioner assured residents that the state government remains fully engaged in monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone communities and major water channels across Lagos.

Emergency response agencies, he said, have also been deployed to provide support to affected residents and minimise the impact of flooding.

"The Lagos State Government remains fully on top of the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and other critical water channels."

Residents Urged to Support Flood Prevention Efforts

Wahab appealed to Lagos residents to complement government efforts by avoiding activities that contribute to flooding.

He warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and waterways, illegal reclamation of wetlands and construction on drainage alignments, noting that such practices obstruct the free flow of stormwater.

The commissioner stressed that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of rainfall in coastal cities around the world, making collective action essential.

"The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across the world, with coastal cities experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall events. Lagos is not exempt from these realities."

He reiterated the government's commitment to building a flood-resilient Lagos through sustained investment in drainage infrastructure, environmental enforcement and collaboration with residents.

Heavy Rainfall Disrupted Movement Across Lagos

The latest intervention follows widespread criticism after torrential rainfall inundated major roads across Lagos, leaving commuters stranded and causing severe traffic congestion.

Floodwaters submerged roads in Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, forcing many commuters to trek long distances after commercial transport operators suspended services.

Several motorists abandoned their vehicles after they broke down while attempting to drive through flooded roads.

The flooding also affected key highways, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, resulting in gridlock across large parts of the state.

The newly approved dredging of 28 primary drainage channels is expected to improve stormwater discharge and strengthen Lagos State's flood management strategy ahead of the peak of the rainy season.