By Fatima Saka
Lagos, Nigeria — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Government to tackle flooding and prevent future disasters through sustainable infrastructure and coordinated interventions.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, gave the assurance during an assessment visit to flood-prone communities and critical water infrastructure across Lagos State.
Utsev described Lagos as one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, noting that environmental challenges affecting the state have far-reaching implications for Nigeria and the continent at large.
He explained that the visit is part of a nationwide initiative by the Federal Government to assess water resources, sanitation, hygiene, and flood-related challenges across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the aim of developing practical and long-term solutions.
According to him, the assessment provides an opportunity to identify urgent intervention areas while strengthening collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Lagos State Government, development partners, and the private sector.
The minister commended Lagos State, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority for proactive measures already in place to mitigate flooding and improve water management.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes strongly in collaboration. We will continue to engage all stakeholders to develop sustainable mechanisms that will address observed challenges and improve the living conditions of Nigerians,” Utsev said.
He identified indiscriminate disposal of waste in drainage channels as a major cause of urban flooding and urged residents to support government efforts by maintaining proper sanitation and protecting drainage infrastructure.
Utsev also praised innovative flood control initiatives by the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ilubirin Mechanical Pumping Station, describing it as a practical engineering solution capable of managing excess floodwater and worthy of replication.
He added that comprehensive engineering assessments would guide the scope, cost, and implementation timeline of additional interventions, noting that the government would also explore opportunities to integrate hydropower generation into water infrastructure projects.
The Director-General of NIHSA, Arc. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the government’s flood mitigation strategy is driven by scientific forecasts and hydrological data.
He recalled that the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook projected above-normal rainfall across many parts of the country, warning that continued rainfall could lead to further flooding due to climate variability.
Mohammed stressed the need for sustained vigilance, timely dissemination of early warnings, and proactive responses from stakeholders to minimise risks.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the state had issued multiple early warning advisories ahead of the rainy season using forecasts from relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
He noted that residents in vulnerable communities were sensitised through conventional and digital platforms, while the state continues to invest in flood control infrastructure such as the Ilubirin Mechanical Pumping Station, which has significantly reduced flooding in parts of Lagos Island.
Rotimi-Akodu welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention, especially in addressing flooding that cuts across state boundaries, expressing confidence that enhanced collaboration would fast-track sustainable solutions.
A resident of Ilo-Awela in Alimosho Local Government Area, Mr. Lawal Sunday, commended the Lagos State Government for previous erosion control efforts and appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the construction of a proposed bridge in the area.
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He said the project would improve access, reduce hardship, and enhance the quality of life of residents, while also calling for continuous public awareness to discourage improper waste disposal.
During the tour, the minister and his delegation inspected key infrastructure, including the Ilubirin Mechanical Pumping Station on Lagos Island, the Signal Barracks Primary Drainage Channel in Ajegunle, the System 5 Drainage Channel in Apapa-Iganmu, the Ilo-Awela River in Alimosho, sanitation facilities at Orile Iganmu, and the Ogombo River along the Lagos Coastal Highway corridor.
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