By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government and the Federal Government have agreed to deepen collaboration on flood management, urban water development and sanitation as the state faces increasing risks from climate change and heavy rainfall.
The commitment was reached during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina.
Sanwo-Olu and Utsev acknowledged the growing impact of flooding on communities, businesses and livelihoods across the state, stressing the need for stronger coordination between the two levels of government.
Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for engaging with the state on the issue, saying closer cooperation was necessary to strengthen flood resilience, urban development and water management.
The governor said Lagos had continued to invest in drainage infrastructure to improve the movement of stormwater through canals, rivers and lagoons.
He noted that Lagos accounts for more than 10% of Nigeria’s population despite occupying less than 0.5% of the country’s landmass, while about one-third of the state consists of natural bodies of water, including lagoons, creeks, rivers and tributaries.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the state’s low-lying terrain, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, dense population and increasing rainfall have heightened its exposure to flooding.
He said the state government had implemented several measures to strengthen its ability to respond to flooding and other climate-related emergencies, with a focus on building resilience and restoring normal activities quickly after extreme weather events.
Speaking earlier, Utsev said the Federal Government’s engagement with Lagos focused on three key areas: strengthening flood resilience, accelerating efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and advancing sustainable urban water sector reforms.
The minister said rapid urbanisation and climate change were increasing the risks faced by Lagos, making sustained investment and stronger cooperation between federal and state authorities essential.
He identified integrated water resources management, improved drainage systems, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and stronger institutional coordination as key measures for addressing flooding.
Utsev commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for its flood management interventions and assured Lagos of the Federal Government’s support in strengthening resilience and protecting vulnerable communities.
He also acknowledged the state’s efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene but called for accelerated action in underserved communities where access to basic sanitation facilities remains limited.
The minister said flooding has become a major challenge during the rainy season, disrupting transportation and businesses, damaging homes and affecting electricity supply.
He attributed the problem to a combination of Lagos’ geographical characteristics, climate change, rising sea levels, rapid urbanisation and prolonged heavy rainfall.
Beyond flood management, Utsev urged Lagos to intensify efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free status, particularly in communities with inadequate sanitation facilities.
Both governments, he said, would build on the renewed partnership to develop sustainable solutions to flooding, improve water and sanitation services and strengthen the resilience of communities across Lagos.
