Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to tackling flooding through strategic drainage improvements, canal maintenance and sustainable infrastructure development across vulnerable communities.
Eko Hot News reports that Tokunbo Wahab joined Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and members of the Lagos State Executive Council on an extensive inspection of communities affected by the recent heavy rainfall in Eti-Osa and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Areas.
Leading environmental assessments during the tour, Wahab evaluated ongoing drainage interventions and reviewed the performance of critical flood control infrastructure designed to improve stormwater discharge across the affected communities.
The inspection commenced at Ogombo, where the commissioner assessed the drainage network that channels stormwater from surrounding communities into the Ikota River.
Wahab explained that effective drainage management remains one of the state’s top priorities, particularly during periods of intense rainfall when coastal conditions and rising lagoon levels slow the natural discharge of floodwater.
The inspection team later visited Monastery Road in Sangotedo, where the Ministry has deployed a swamp buggy to carry out extensive canal desilting and drainage clearance operations.
The commissioner said the ongoing exercise forms part of the government’s proactive flood mitigation strategy aimed at restoring the free flow of stormwater and reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
At Gbetu-Iwerekun Community behind Mayfair Gardens Estate, Wahab disclosed that the state government is preparing to upgrade existing drainage infrastructure to improve stormwater management and strengthen long-term flood resilience.
According to him, the planned engineering improvements will enhance the capacity of drainage systems to accommodate increased water volumes during the rainy season.
The inspection also covered Chevron Drive, where government intervention successfully reopened a previously blocked drainage channel after intensive clearance operations.
Wahab noted that restoring the channel will significantly improve stormwater discharge and reduce flooding across Ajiran, Osapa London, Orchid, Victory Park Garden (VGC) and neighbouring communities.
He emphasised that regular drainage maintenance remains essential to protecting lives, property and public infrastructure in a rapidly growing city like Lagos.
The commissioner urged residents to complement government efforts by avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal into drains, canals and waterways, stressing that blocked drainage channels remain one of the leading causes of urban flooding.
He reaffirmed that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources will continue monitoring vulnerable locations while intensifying drainage clearing operations throughout the rainy season.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the ministry’s ongoing interventions and assured Lagosians that his administration would continue investing in sustainable flood control projects across the state.
The governor said strategic drainage expansion, canal rehabilitation and environmental enforcement remain central to the government’s long-term flood management strategy.
He also praised the dedication of environmental response teams working around the clock to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall on residents and businesses.
Environmental experts have consistently maintained that sustained drainage maintenance, proper waste management and continuous infrastructure investment are essential to reducing flood risks in coastal cities.
Through the leadership of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State has continued implementing practical initiatives aimed at improving environmental sustainability and strengthening resilience against flooding.
Wahab reiterated that the ministry will sustain proactive inspections, engineering interventions and public awareness campaigns to ensure drainage infrastructure functions efficiently throughout the rainy season.
He called on all Lagos residents to embrace environmental responsibility by keeping drainage channels free of refuse and supporting the state’s flood prevention efforts.
The commissioner expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between government and residents will further enhance flood resilience and create a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.
