The Lagos State Government and the Federal Government have pledged to deepen collaboration on flood management, urban water development and sanitation as the state continues to face increasing risks from climate change and heavy rainfall.
The commitment was made on Thursday evening when the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at Lagos House, Marina.
Both officials acknowledged the growing impact of flooding on communities, businesses and livelihoods across the state and agreed on the need for stronger coordination between the two levels of government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for engaging the state on the flooding challenge, describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation on flood resilience, urban development and water management.
He said Lagos’ geographical characteristics made collaboration particularly important, noting that the state occupies less than 0.5 per cent of Nigeria’s landmass but accounts for more than 10 per cent of the country’s population.
According to the governor, about one-third of Lagos is covered by natural bodies of water, including lagoons, creeks, rivers and tributaries, while the state’s low-lying terrain and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean further increase its vulnerability to flooding.
“Lagos is a small state by landmass, less than 0.5 per cent of the total landmass of the country. One-third of that landmass is also natural bodies of water,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that the state’s large population and increasing rainfall were compounding the challenge.
The governor said his administration had continued to invest in drainage infrastructure to ensure that stormwater was effectively channelled through canals, rivers and lagoons.
He also said the state had introduced several interventions over the years to strengthen its capacity to respond to flooding and other climate-related emergencies.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the government’s approach was focused on building resilience that would enable Lagos to absorb the impact of extreme weather events and restore normal activities as quickly as possible after flooding.
Speaking earlier, Minister Utsev identified three priority areas for the renewed partnership: strengthening flood resilience, accelerating the achievement of Open Defecation Free status and advancing sustainable reforms in the urban water sector.
He said the Federal Government recognised the growing risks associated with rapid urbanisation and climate change, stressing that tackling the challenges would require sustained investment and closer coordination between federal and state authorities.
Utsev identified integrated water resources management, improved drainage infrastructure, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and stronger institutional coordination as key measures needed to address flooding.
The minister commended the Lagos State Government for its interventions and assured the state of the Federal Government’s readiness to support efforts aimed at strengthening flood resilience and protecting vulnerable communities.
He also praised the state’s efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene services, but called for urgent action in communities where access to basic sanitation facilities remains inadequate.
According to Utsev, flooding has become a major challenge in Lagos, particularly during the rainy season, with heavy rainfall frequently submerging roads, disrupting businesses, damaging homes and affecting electricity supply.
He attributed the situation to a combination of Lagos’ geographical features, climate change, rising sea levels, rapid urbanisation and prolonged heavy rainfall.
The minister further urged the state to intensify efforts towards achieving Open Defecation Free status, particularly in underserved communities.
Both governments are expected to build on the renewed partnership to develop sustainable solutions to flooding, improve water and sanitation services and strengthen the resilience of communities across Lagos.
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