The Lagos State Government has issued a warning regarding forthcoming heavy rainfall and potential flash floods, advising citizens in vulnerable, low-lying areas to evacuate for their safety. This alert follows recent intense downpours that caused significant urban flooding, resulting in submerged roads and disrupted transportation.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, addressed these concerns during an inspection of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Under instructions from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, authorities have begun clearing illegal shanties and commercial encroachments from the highway median. Wahab explained that recent flooding was caused by heavy rain colliding with high sea levels, which hindered drainage into the lagoon.
Highlighting the impact of human activity, the Commissioner noted that unauthorized land reclamation and poor waste management practices are worsening the flooding. He urged residents to utilize official waste collection services provided by the Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators rather than dumping refuse in public drains. He emphasized that the government has already prosecuted over 1,000 individuals for environmental violations in the past year.
Regarding the ongoing clearance along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Wahab confirmed that the operation is intended to be a permanent solution. The area being cleared is reserved for future rail development and must remain accessible. The government plans to continue daily monitoring to prevent traders from reoccupying the median, with officials promising strict enforcement of environmental laws against offenders.
