Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has visited several flood-affected communities in Eti-Osa and Ibeju-Lekki, assuring residents that the government will intensify efforts to tackle flooding across the state.
The inspection came after days of heavy rainfall left many roads submerged, displaced residents, and disrupted businesses in several parts of Lagos.
The governor’s visit drew attention as he personally walked through flooded streets alongside top government officials to assess the situation.
The inspection comes at a time when many residents are demanding urgent action. While some roads remain under water, others have become difficult to access. In some communities, residents have even relied on canoes to move people across flooded areas.
Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab, and other senior state officials.
The inspection began at Ogombo, where floodwater flows into the Ikota River. The governor later visited Monastery Road in Sangotedo before moving to Gbetu and the Iwerekun community behind Mayfair Garden Estate.
According to state officials, drainage improvement projects are already underway in some locations. However, additional infrastructure is expected to be developed to strengthen flood control in vulnerable communities.
The governor also inspected the Chevron axis, where a previously blocked drainage channel has now been reopened.
The restored channel is expected to improve water flow around Ajiran, Osapa London, Orchid Road, Victory Garden City (VGC), and nearby communities. Consequently, residents hope the intervention will reduce future flooding.
After inspecting the affected areas, Sanwo-Olu addressed journalists and reassured Lagos residents that more projects would be implemented.
He stressed that the government remains committed to reducing the effects of heavy rainfall while improving drainage networks across the state.
Meanwhile, many residents used the opportunity to appeal for both immediate assistance and long-term flood control measures.
They explained that prolonged flooding has affected homes, businesses, schools, and transportation.
Furthermore, several residents urged the government to speed up ongoing drainage projects before another round of heavy rainfall.
Earlier, the Lagos State Government approved emergency dredging and maintenance of additional drainage channels across the state.
The move is aimed at improving water flow and reducing the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab had earlier explained that recent rainfall exceeded normal expectations.
He said, “The Lagos State Government on Tuesday called for calm and understanding from residents following the massive flash flooding experienced in many parts of the state over the last two weeks, with the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approving the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary channels across the state.”
He further stated, “The rainfalls were an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage channels in some locations and resulting in temporary flooding across parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other areas.”
Moreover, Wahab noted that similar weather conditions affected several African countries and parts of North America during the same period.
The government believes the ongoing drainage upgrades, combined with emergency dredging, will improve water movement across Lagos.
In addition, officials said regular maintenance of canals and drainage systems will remain a priority.
Although the recent flooding disrupted daily life in several communities, authorities expressed confidence that the combination of new drainage projects.
