The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to restoring and protecting critical drainage infrastructure across the State as part of sustained efforts to mitigate flooding, preserve the environment, and safeguard lives and property.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said this when he spoke with newsmen on Saturday.
This was during an inspection tour of ongoing removal of contraventions and drainage restoration works in the Ajiran/Agungi axis of Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
Speaking with the media after the inspection, Wahab recalled that the State Government had recently uncovered extensive encroachment on the primary drainage channel in Chevron Drive by individuals and land-owning families who illegally took possession of government setbacks, thereby obstructing the free flow of stormwater.
He disclosed that despite an attempt by some individuals, aided by armed policemen, to frustrate government officials from carrying out a lawful exercise of reopening the Ajiran Channel to the Lagoon and the Ikota River, the State remained resolute and successfully continued the operation.
According to him, the intervention has already yielded positive results with a remarkable improvement in the discharge of stormwater within 48 to 72 hours, bringing relief to residents of Agungi, Ajiran Village and neighbouring communities.
The Commissioner explained that the visit was to assess the level of progress made, stressing that the exercise remains a work in progress until the entire drainage alignment is fully restored and reconnected to the natural water bodies.
During the visit, the Commissioner also met with community leaders and residents in Ajiran to explain the ongoing intervention, answer questions, and provide detailed information on both immediate and long-term measures being implemented to permanently address flooding in the area.
Wahab said the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to deliver a sustainable engineering solution for the flood-prone corridor.
He also directed the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) to immediately commence remedial maintenance works on some drainage channels requiring urgent intervention in the area, noting that the government cannot delay action where public safety is concerned.
The team also visited Orange Island on Freedom Way, where the Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s resolve against illegal dredging and land reclamation.
He recalled that the Ministry had halted reclamation activities at the location last year because the developers failed to obtain the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval and drainage clearance.
According to him, the area serves as a major discharge outlet for Lekki Phase I into the Lagoon, warning that any obstruction through illegal reclamation would create significant environmental challenges and heighten flood risks.
Wahab also inspected the downstream discharge points serving Itedo, Kushenla, and Freedom Way, where additional corrective measures have been identified for immediate implementation.
While commending the efforts of the local government authorities in improving their operational capacity, he emphasised that flood management requires collaboration among all tiers of government and residents.
He noted that while the State Government will continue to provide major drainage infrastructure, Local Government and communities must take ownership of completed facilities by ensuring regular maintenance and preventing indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels.
The Commissioner explained that every newly constructed road must be accompanied by properly designed collector drains connected to primary canals to guarantee efficient stormwater discharge.
Speaking on the State’s environmental reforms, Wahab said the government has, over the last three years, implemented deliberate policies aimed at addressing the root causes of flooding and environmental degradation.
He listed the reforms to include improved waste collection systems, ban on styrofoam food containers, removal of illegal structures on flood plains, protection of wetlands and continuous investment in resilient drainage infrastructure.
Drawing comparisons with recent flooding incidents in Ghana, the Commissioner noted that many of the measures now being considered by authorities in Accra are policies Lagos has consistently implemented over the past three years.
He maintained that Lagos is not experiencing river overflow but rather temporary flash floods during periods of intense rainfall, explaining that floodwaters usually recede within hours once drainage channels remain free of obstruction.
Addressing concerns over indiscriminate waste disposal, Wahab disclosed that the State Government has continued to arrest and prosecute environmental offenders while intensifying public enlightenment campaigns to discourage illegal dumping of refuse stressing that enforcement alone would not solve the problem.
The Commissioner announced that the State Government will soon deploy between 140 and 150 additional waste compactors to strengthen LAWMA’s fleet while also supporting PSP operators to improve waste evacuation across Lagos.
He further revealed that Lagos is accelerating its transition from a linear waste management system to a circular economy where waste is treated as a valuable resource.
According to him, the commencement of Material Recovery Facilities and Transfer Loading Stations before the end of the year is expected to divert over 4,000 tonnes of waste daily from landfills, significantly improving waste management efficiency and environmental sustainability across the State.
Wahab reiterated that the Lagos State Government will remain unwavering in enforcing environmental laws, protecting drainage alignments and delivering sustainable infrastructure necessary to build a flood-resilient and cleaner Lagos.
