The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient drainage systems and mitigating flood risks across the state, particularly in vulnerable areas like Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Parkview Estate.
Speaking after a comprehensive assessment tour of several ongoing drainage and urban regeneration projects on Sunday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and assured residents that the projects would offer lasting solutions to the perennial flooding in these areas.
Wahab, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MOE&WR), the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), visited multiple project sites including Onikoyi/Banana Island, Femi Pedro Avenue in Parkview Estate, and Gorodom Market.
“We came to Lagos Island to see the level of compliance and the progress of the regeneration projects being executed by relevant agencies. We are happy with the pace and quality of the work,” Wahab said.
He noted that the regeneration project on Lagos Island, when completed, would resolve major flooding issues plaguing the area and its environs.
While inspecting the secondary collector drain lining around Gorodom Market, Wahab expressed satisfaction with the engineering work. He also addressed the persistent issue of flash flooding around Turnbull/Banana Island Road in Ikoyi, attributing it to a blocked underground culvert and insufficient drainage capacity caused by rapid development in the area.
He disclosed that remedial work had been done and further upgrades are underway, adding: “We may have to convert one of the tertiary drains to a secondary collector to ensure effective discharge into the lagoon via Mojisola Onikoyi.”
The inspection team also visited areas under the Third Mainland Bridge and Idumagbo underbridge, where enforcement efforts had previously been made to remove traders operating illegally under critical infrastructure. However, it was observed that the traders had returned.
Wahab reiterated that the government does not intend to disrupt livelihoods but emphasized that trading under bridges is unsafe and unsustainable.
“We’re saying you can do your trading, but in an organized and safe manner. What we met there today is disorganized. We will close the space and ask for a proper layout. Safety, environmental concerns, and the integrity of infrastructure come first,” he said.
He added that proposals have been received to convert such under-bridge spaces into parks, and LASPARK has already provided approved designs. Immediate evacuation orders have been issued to traders at the affected sites.
The final stop of the tour was Parkview Estate, where Wahab inspected the drainage project intended to channel stormwater from Femi Pedro Avenue directly into the lagoon. He confirmed that the project is expected to be completed within 90 days.
“Lagos, being a coastal city, is vulnerable to climate change impacts like sea level rise and extreme rainfall. That’s why we are investing in infrastructure and calling for behavioral change to prevent man-made blockages,” Wahab stated.
Otunba Femi Pedro, a former Deputy Governor and resident of Parkview Estate, commended the government’s efforts and the improved drainage system in the area.
“The secondary collector drains here are much deeper and wider now. We’re confident that once completed, flooding will be a thing of the past. Residents will also ensure proper maintenance,” Pedro said.
Other members of the delegation included Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser on Environment; Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services; Dr. Tunde Ajayi, General Manager, LASEPA; Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager, LASWMO, as well as directors from various agencies.
Areas visited during the tour include Oroyinyin, Oja-Oba Street off Adeniji Adele Road, Idumagbo Underbridge, Gorodom Market, Shoreline Estate, Onikoyi/Banana Island Road, and Parkview Estate.