Lagos Flooding: Critics Politicising Crisis, Commissioner Insists

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has accused some critics of politicising recent flooding in the state, insisting that ongoing investments in drainage infrastructure and environmental enforcement have reduced the impact of heavy rainfall.

Wahab made the remarks on Saturday during an inspection of drainage channels and flood-prone communities, including Oniru, Chevron Drive, Agungi-Ajiran, Freedom Road and Orange Island.

His comments followed flash floods triggered by days of heavy rainfall, which inundated parts of Lagos and reignited criticism of the state’s flood management strategy.

According to the commissioner, the government’s recent removal of encroachments blocking drainage channels around Chevron Drive by Gravitas area has already improved the flow of stormwater.

He alleged that illegal occupants, popularly known as Omo-onile, had attempted to obstruct officials from reopening a drainage channel leading to the lagoon but said the government successfully carried out the operation.

“Within 72 hours, we have seen a remarkable improvement in the discharging point of the downstream to salvage what is happening in the Ajiran village and neighbouring places,” Wahab said.

The commissioner argued that some critics had chosen to make the flooding issue political instead of recognising the government’s efforts over the past three years.

He said the state had implemented a series of measures, including improvements in waste management, the ban on Styrofoam and certain single-use plastics, the removal of illegal developments on floodplains and wetlands, and the expansion of drainage infrastructure.

“They are politicising it, but that is what they want to do this season. They are not giving this team enough flowers for the work they have been doing. I know the effort they put in day and night,” he said.

Wahab also cited recent flooding in Accra, Ghana, saying the measures Lagos has introduced in recent years are similar to those Ghanaian authorities are now considering.

“What we have is not overflowing flooding; it is flash flooding here and there. Time-stamp it and go back there in a few hours,” he said.

He added that the inspection was aimed at assessing vulnerable locations, engaging residents and identifying areas requiring permanent engineering solutions.

Addressing concerns over inadequate drainage infrastructure in some communities, Wahab said the state government was partnering with local government councils to deliver major drainage and road projects beyond their financial capacity before handing them over for maintenance.