By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have strengthened their partnership on flood resilience, following warnings that Lagos remains highly vulnerable to flooding, as identified in the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO).
This renewed commitment was announced by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, during a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Marina.
Prof. Utsev said the AFO 2026 report by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) listed Lagos among 33 states at high risk of flooding, underscoring the urgency for proactive planning, early warning systems, and stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities.
He noted that flooding in Lagos has become increasingly severe, particularly during the rainy season, affecting homes, businesses, transport systems, and critical infrastructure. According to him, the situation is worsened by coastal geography, rapid urbanisation, climate change, rising sea levels, and intense rainfall patterns.
To address these challenges, the Minister identified three priority areas for joint action: strengthening flood resilience, accelerating the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, and advancing sustainable urban water sector reforms to improve service delivery and attract investment.
He added that the Federal Government is deploying key initiatives, including the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System, to enhance forecasting, support early response, and reduce disaster impacts.
Prof. Utsev also highlighted the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme as a strategic platform Lagos can leverage to improve water supply and sanitation services through institutional reforms and performance-based financing.
On sanitation, the Minister commended Lagos State’s ongoing efforts but called for accelerated progress toward achieving ODF status, particularly in underserved communities.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government has developed a draft National Water Compact aimed at driving reforms across the water sector through improved coordination, policy alignment, and investment mobilisation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the Minister and reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Federal Government to tackle flooding and other climate-related challenges.
The Governor acknowledged the growing impact of climate change on the state and stressed the importance of sustained, practical, and sustainable interventions to mitigate environmental risks.
He revealed that Lagos has already developed a comprehensive roadmap toward achieving Open Defecation Free status and is committed to strengthening sanitation, improving hygiene services, enhancing flood management, and promoting sustainable water resource development.
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The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both governments to building a cleaner, safer, and more climate-resilient Lagos, while advancing national goals on water resources management and sanitation.
Senior officials present at the meeting included the Director-General of NiHSA, Arc. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, the Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru, and other key stakeholders.
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