The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling flooding across the metropolis through the provision of resilient infrastructure.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, stated this during a recent television interview, noting that in the last two years, over 50 kilometres of secondary collectors have been cleaned, while about 30 primary channels have been dredged and maintained.
Wahab explained that the government had anticipated heavy rainfall this year, with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicting increased precipitation as early as March.
He added that massive advocacy campaigns were launched, warning residents in low-lying areas such as Agboyi, Agiliti, Itowolo, and Ajegunle to relocate temporarily.
He also revealed that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) has cleaned approximately 666,000 drainage systems and manholes statewide.
The Commissioner stressed that while drainage construction projects — such as those in Ikorodu, Lekki’s System 44, and Odo-Iyalaro — take between 18 and 24 months to complete, temporary flood mitigation measures like pumping stations have been put in place.
“We cannot compromise on quality by rushing contractors. The administration will continue to implement resilient drainage solutions to safeguard lives and property,” Wahab assured.
