LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Government has issued an apology to residents for the disruptions caused by the heavy rainfall on Wednesday. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this announcement during interviews on various television channels, emphasizing the state’s commitment to resilient infrastructure capable of handling flash floods.
Mr. Wahab expressed his condolences to a resident who lost a loved one and to others who suffered property damage due to the torrential downpour. He explained that Lagos experienced about ten hours of continuous rainfall, leading to flash floods in areas such as Egbeda, Iyana Oworo, Trade Fair Road, and Iyana Iba. However, the floods receded within two hours due to the mitigation measures in place.
“I want you to know that what happened yesterday was not as a result of not preparing but because nature only took its course,” he stated. He further noted that the high sea level during the rain significantly impacted areas like Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki, where stormwater is designed to discharge into the lagoon.
Wahab advised residents in upland areas like Agege, Alimosho, and Ikeja to remain calm, assuring them that the government has built resilient infrastructure to manage stormwater effectively. He highlighted the improved drainage infrastructure in areas such as Ogombo and the Mobil corridor of Victoria Island, which previously experienced flash floods but did not on Wednesday.
According to Wahab, flash floods are a global phenomenon that occur with long hours of rainfall. “Anywhere in the world that experiences long hours of rainfall like we did yesterday is bound to experience flooding otherwise called ponding elsewhere,” he explained.
The Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) was active from 4 a.m. on Wednesday to clear blocked spots, but high water levels delayed the discharge of stormwater into the lagoon and ocean. Wahab assured that the ministry has intensified drainage enforcement activities and continues year-round clearing and cleaning of primary and secondary drainage channels.
“Lagos is a coastal state and there will always be flash floods for a few hours when it rains,” he reiterated. He urged residents to take measures to mitigate the effects of global warming and other environmental issues. Wahab also highlighted the importance of residents’ responsiveness, citing an incident in Surulere where a couple was caught dumping waste in the drainage during the rain. Their house has been sealed, and they will be prosecuted according to the law.
Wahab appealed to residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages and to support government efforts by keeping their surroundings clean. He encouraged residents to act as whistleblowers, reporting any violations to help the government maintain the city’s infrastructure.
