Flood crisis: Sanwo-Olu orders overhaul of Lekki development plans

Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, ordered a review of the master plans of flood-prone communities, particularly within the Lekki corridor, as part of fresh measures to address persistent flooding and restore natural drainage systems.

The governor announced the decision during an inspection of flood-affected communities in Ogombo, Monastery Road in Sangotedo, Chevron Drive, Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, and Gbetu-Olorunkemi Road in Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.

Accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commissioners and other members of the State Executive Council, Sanwo-Olu inspected major drainage channels, tributaries and waterways impacted by recent heavy rainfall.

Speaking to journalists while standing in floodwaters at Awoyaya, the governor said the review would identify planning violations and developments that have encroached on natural waterways, to restore and strengthen the flow and strengthen the state’s flood resilience.

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“We will review some of the existing master plans in these communities to determine where infractions have occurred and what corrective actions are required. We need to ensure that developments align with environmental realities and that natural waterways are preserved,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu attributed the flooding across many parts of the Lekki corridor to a combination of exceptionally heavy rainfall, climate change and human activities that obstruct natural drainage channels.

“What we are being very intentional about is ensuring that water flows through its natural channels because Lagos is surrounded by water and several tributaries,” he said.

The governor noted that while the rainfall volume recorded in recent weeks was unusually high, human activities had significantly worsened the situation.

“In all the places we visited today, there is a natural occurrence, and there is also a human factor. Over the years, developments have come to meet natural bodies of water. In some places, people without approvals have restricted the flow of these waterways. Those actions are responsible for the slow movement of rainwater, which eventually results in flooding,” he added.

He explained that many of the tributaries and wetlands inspected had existed for decades and traditionally served as channels through which water flowed freely into the Lagos Lagoon. However, illegal developments, encroachment and blocked drainage systems have reduced their capacity, making nearby communities more vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall.

To address the problem, the governor said the state government would intensify dredging, excavation, and the expansion of drainage infrastructure across affected areas.

“We need to come regularly to excavate and clear these channels so there will be a free flow of water. Once the waterways are maintained, the water will eventually find its way into the lagoon,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu described the recent rainfall pattern as a consequence of climate change, noting that Lagos, like other coastal cities around the world, was experiencing increasingly intense downpours.

“The volume of water recorded in the last three to four weeks is largely due to natural causes. Climate change is real, and we are seeing heavier rainfall across the world. We cannot stop the rain, but we can continue to improve our infrastructure to manage it,” he stated.

Using the analogy of a clogged kitchen sink, the governor stressed the importance of keeping drainage channels free of debris and obstructions to ensure the smooth flow of stormwater.
He called for greater public cooperation, urging residents to stop dumping waste into drains and waterways.

“We all have a role to play. The media has a responsibility to educate the public, citizens must act responsibly, and the government has the responsibility to provide the necessary infrastructure. It is only when we all play our part that we can achieve better results,” he said.

Also speaking, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and member representing Eti-Osa Constituency I, Chief Noheem Adams, commended the governor for personally inspecting the affected communities.

He said residents of Ajiran, Monastery Road, Ologolo, Alpha Beach, Ogombo, and Lekki Gardens had welcomed the governor’s intervention after weeks of concern over the flooding.

“We thank the Governor of Lagos State for listening to the cries of the people of Eti-Osa and for personally coming to assess the flooding situation. The governor did not just receive reports; he came here himself and even stepped into the floodwaters. That shows he is a leader who genuinely cares about the welfare of the people,” Adams said.

He expressed optimism that the inspection would lead to both immediate relief measures and long-term flood control projects.