The Lagos State Government has restated its determination to confront flooding challenges head-on through the restoration of drainage rights-of-way and the construction of resilient infrastructure across the city.
Speaking after an inspection tour on Sunday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state would continue to prioritise drainage projects to address flooding across key areas of the metropolis.
Wahab inspected the ongoing 4.2-kilometre concrete lining drainage project spanning parts of Ikeja and Kosofe Local Government Areas.
He explained that the project, which commenced in 2024, would be executed in phases. According to him, the Sheraton to Ojota section is already 45% completed, with the entire project scheduled for completion within 24 months.
He further explained that the 25-metre-wide trapezoidal drain is designed to channel stormwater downstream, passing beneath the newly constructed bridge in Maryland.
The commissioner noted that the state had received positive feedback from residents since the beginning of this year’s rainy season, attributing it to the government’s consistent, year-round drainage and canal cleaning efforts.
Wahab also highlighted the critical phase of the project at the Ogudu Sheet Piling Section, where he directed contractors to ensure all required sheet piles were ready before installation began.
“There are three legs to the Odo Iyalaro (System 1) project. One comes from Ogba, another from behind Sheraton, and both will meet at a confluence point near the Maryland Bridge. The construction will extend from the Sheraton Bridge back to Maryland, with side roads to be built by the Ministry of Infrastructure. The entire project is expected to be completed in another 24 months,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the Maryland-Mende-Arowojobe axis, which previously experienced persistent flooding, has significantly improved following the government’s efforts to clear obstructions, reclaim the drainage right-of-way, and install infrastructure to properly discharge stormwater.
During the inspection, Wahab also visited the Adisa Balogun Channel in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA after receiving reports that some individuals were attempting to build on the drainage alignment.
READ ALSO
He ordered immediate abatement notices to be served to those involved.
“We will continue to appeal to residents to stop encroaching on drainage rights-of-way. However, we will not hesitate to take decisive action when necessary,” he warned.
Wahab also directed that notices be issued to some houses around the Ogudu section (Odo-Iya Alaro downstream) that had been identified as creating illegal refuse dumps.
“We observed that some houses are turning spaces around their properties into makeshift dump sites. They will be served notices to stop this practice immediately. Otherwise, we may suddenly find ourselves dealing with an illegal dumpsite, and we cannot allow that,” he said.
The commissioner further emphasised the government’s resolve to enforce the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs).
He noted that the state had conducted extensive advocacy over the past 18 months and consistently engaged with stakeholders.
Recent enforcement exercises had already begun in markets on both the Island and Mainland, and Wahab confirmed that this would be a continuous, state-wide effort, supported by increased awareness campaigns on radio, television, and social media.
Wahab was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretary, Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary, Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, KAI Corps Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), GM of LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, and other senior officials from the Ministry and its agencies.
The inspection covered several key sites, including the Odo-Iya Alaro System 1 drainage (Sheraton to Ojota Section), the Ogudu Sheet Pile Section, and the Adisa Balogun Channel in Agboyi-Ketu.
