Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels as part of efforts to address flooding and improve water management across the state.
The development was disclosed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.
According to the commissioner, the decision followed recent heavy rainfall that caused flooding in several parts of Lagos. He explained that the intense downpour constituted an extreme weather event that placed enormous pressure on existing drainage infrastructure, leading to temporary flooding in a number of communities.
Areas affected by the flooding included Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, and Mafoluku, where residents experienced disruptions as floodwaters accumulated on roads and in surrounding neighborhoods.
Wahab noted that the state government is taking proactive measures to strengthen drainage capacity and improve the flow of stormwater during periods of heavy rainfall. The dredging of the 28 channels is expected to remove silt, debris, and other obstructions that hinder the efficient movement of water through the drainage network.
He emphasized that Lagos remains vulnerable to the effects of climate change, rising sea levels, and increasingly intense rainfall patterns, making continuous investment in flood-control infrastructure essential. The commissioner also urged residents to support government efforts by refraining from indiscriminate waste disposal, which contributes significantly to blocked drains and flooding.
The latest approval underscores the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, with authorities expressing confidence that the expanded drainage works will help reduce the impact of future flooding and improve resilience across communities in Lagos State.
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