Lagos Govt Apologises Over Floods, Cites Heavy Rainfall and Illegal Structures

The Lagos State Government has apologised to residents affected by Tuesday’s flash floods, attributing the disruption to a mix of heavy rainfall, tidal lock, and illegal constructions.

On Wednesday morning, several areas including Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ago Palace Way, Apple Junction, Ago Bridge, and Mile 2 were submerged, causing traffic gridlock and disrupting daily life. Viral videos showed cars and motorcycles struggling through waterlogged roads.

In a statement shared on his X handle, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, expressed sympathy for those impacted.

“We sincerely sympathise with all residents who were affected by the flash floods witnessed in parts of the State yesterday. We understand the discomfort and disruption it caused, and we deeply empathise with those who were affected,” Wahab said.

He explained that Lagos’s geography makes it naturally prone to flooding.

“As a coastal city, Lagos is naturally vulnerable to flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall combined with tidal lock. Despite this, the State Government has continued to invest in drainage infrastructure, regular desilting, and enforcement of environmental laws to minimise flooding incidents and protect lives and property,” he added.

Highlighting specific hotspots, Wahab noted: “At Kusenla, the challenge is technical: the downstream is about 1.2 meters higher than the invert of the existing drainage, as confirmed by the survey conducted for the ongoing project awarded by the State government at the end of Kusenla road, which includes a pumping station.

“Around House on the Rock church, the flooding was linked to infractions we highlighted earlier; illegal construction on flood plains and dumping of refuse in drains. These kinds of activities worsen flooding and must stop.”

The commissioner warned that illegal structures and obstructions contributing to flooding would be removed, stressing that residents also have a role to play.

“We appeal for understanding and continued cooperation from the public. Keeping our environment clean, refraining from dumping refuse into drains, and avoiding construction on floodplains are vital to achieving a flood-free Lagos. In several of the videos shared yesterday, clear infractions were observed, and @followlasg will ensure that such illegal structures and obstructions are promptly removed. Including those illegal reclamations carried out without the requisite Environmental Impact Assessment Report and the Drainage Clearance,” he stated.

Wahab reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening flood-control infrastructure across the state.

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