Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that more than 3,000 residents were displaced and over 6,000 were affected by flooding in the state between January and October 2025.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, stated this on Monday at the 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Ikeja, themed “Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus.”
He stated, “As an aquatic state, flooding is a major challenge confronting Lagos. It is an environmental menace capable of widespread destruction.”
He added that over 57,000 residents were impacted this year, with homes destroyed and livelihoods disrupted.
The governor outlined ongoing interventions, including sustainable land-use planning, resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, and the creation of green spaces under the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing early warning systems, upgrading urban drainage, and expanding collaboration with federal agencies, humanitarian groups, and local communities.
Sanwo-Olu urged private sector partners and investors to support flood-resilient projects such as housing, smart drainage, renewable energy, and mangrove restoration, citing the Dangote Group as an example.
“Investing in flood-resilient housing, smart drainage systems, renewable energy, and urban-risk insurance will safeguard communities while creating new avenues for growth,” he said.
Other speakers at the event, including Commissioner for Physical Planning, Oluyinka Olumide, and Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, called for stricter regulation, climate-integrated planning, and stakeholder collaboration to make Lagos more resilient to flooding.
The event also featured exhibitions, expert lectures, and youth debates showcasing innovative approaches to housing, flood management, and environmental sustainability.
It will be recalled that in September, a heavy downpour left motorists and commuters stranded along the Ikorodu Road in Lagos.
The flooding caused a major gridlock from Anthony to the Odo-Iyalaro Bridge, with several sections of the road submerged.
Some motorists had to park their vehicles and wait for the water to recede before continuing their journeys.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Environment on Sunday issued a warning that several parts of the country may experience heavy rainfall and flooding between October 4 and 8, 2025.
According to the ministry, 39 locations across 16 states have been identified as high-risk areas.
The states and affected locations include Delta (Asaba); Yobe (Damaturu); Sokoto (Isa); Zamfara (Anka, Bungudu, Gusau, Kaura-Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi); Katsina (Jibia); Oyo (Kisi, Oyo); Kebbi (Ribah, Sakaba, Yelwa); Kano (Gwarzo, Sumaila, Karaye); Niger (Kontagora, Mashegu, Mokwa, New-Bussa, Rijau, Wushishi); Kwara (Kosubosu); Benue (Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Katsina-Ala, Ugba); Borno (Briyel); Bayelsa (Brass, Ikpidiama, Odoni); Cross River (Edor, Ikom); Rivers (Itu, Ahoada); and Enugu (Nsukka).
The ministry advised residents in the listed areas to remain alert and take necessary precautions to safeguard their lives and property.
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