Flood: Lagos Cautions Against Dumping Refuse on Roads

July 01 () — The Lagos State Government has said flash flooding remains an inevitable reality due to the state’s coastal geography and the growing impact of climate change, stressing that while floods cannot be completely prevented, their effects can be significantly reduced through sustained investment in resilient infrastructure and responsible environmental practices.

The government also warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads and into drainage channels, describing the practice as one of the major causes of avoidable flooding across the state.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on MEDIA TODAY’s The Morning Brief, where he explained that Lagos’ unique geographical location makes it naturally susceptible to flash flooding, particularly during periods of intense rainfall, high tides, and rising sea levels.

“The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said flash flooding remains an inevitable reality because of the state’s coastal location,” Wahab said.

He added that although flash floods cannot be entirely prevented in a coastal city like Lagos, the government’s focus is on reducing their impact through continuous investment in drainage infrastructure, flood control projects, and environmental management.

Responding to concerns over the recurring floods witnessed across the state in recent weeks, Wahab noted that the objective is not to eliminate flooding but to build resilience and minimise its consequences.

“Must we always get flooded? I will tell you no. But can we realistically, as a coastal state, avoid flash flooding? I will tell you no. So, what do we do? There must be a balance. We must mitigate the impact of our realities,” he said.

The commissioner said the state’s low-lying terrain and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean make it especially vulnerable to climate-related weather events, explaining that some parts of Lagos lie below sea level.

According to him, rising sea levels and tidal surges often prevent stormwater from flowing freely into the sea during heavy rainfall, resulting in temporary flooding until water levels recede.

“Some parts of Lagos are below sea level, and once there’s climate change, there’s excessive rain. There’s excessive heat, and there’s tidal lock because there’s a sea level rise.

“Once the sea level is up, your stormwater naturally will not discharge. It will hold back for maybe one or two hours. That’s why we say to Lagosians: please don’t panic. This water will recede within one or two hours,” he explained.

Wahab stressed that while the government continues to invest heavily in drainage expansion, dredging, and other flood-control infrastructure, residents also have a critical responsibility to prevent avoidable flooding by disposing of waste properly.

He described indiscriminate waste disposal as one of the biggest contributors to blocked drainage channels, noting that refuse dumped on roads is often washed into drains during rainfall, obstructing the free flow of stormwater and worsening flooding in many communities.

“The elephant in the room is that Lagos is a coastal state, and we’re exposed to the vagaries of climate change. We can’t run away from it,” he said.

He urged residents to embrace environmental sanitation and support the state’s flood mitigation efforts.

The commissioner added that the government has continued to provide resilient infrastructure across the state to strengthen flood management and reduce the impact of extreme weather events.

“On our part, we’ve provided resilient infrastructure statewide, and we’re still providing the same,” he noted.

Wahab reiterated that although flash flooding may be unavoidable in a coastal megacity like Lagos, its impact can be substantially minimised through a combination of government intervention and public cooperation.