The Lagos State Government on Tuesday appealed for calm and understanding from residents following the flash flooding recorded across several parts of the state over the past two weeks, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels.

Speaking against the backdrop of the heavy downpours that triggered flooding in several communities, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the rainfall as an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage systems in some locations and causing temporary flooding in parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku, and several other areas.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, Wahab noted that the phenomenon was not unique to Lagos, saying similar heavy rainfall had affected other African countries on the same day, as well as parts of North America, leading to flooding in several cities.

He explained that although Lagos shares coastal and hydraulic characteristics with many of those cities, its hydrological system is considerably more complex because of its extensive network of lagoons, tidal water bodies, rivers, and creeks, coupled with significantly higher rainfall intensity.

According to the commissioner, the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, the Lagos Lagoon, and the state’s numerous rivers and creeks—particularly during periods of high tide—naturally slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea, resulting in temporary inundation in some low-lying areas during exceptionally heavy rainfall.

Wahab assured residents that the state government remains fully on top of the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood-prone areas, and other critical waterways. He added that emergency response agencies have remained on the ground to ensure floodwaters recede as quickly as weather conditions permit while providing assistance where necessary.

He stressed that although the government continues to invest heavily in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting, and other flood-control infrastructure, residents also have a vital role to play in reducing the impact of flooding.

The commissioner urged residents to refrain from indiscriminately disposing of refuse into drains, canals, and waterways, engaging in the illegal reclamation of wetlands, constructing on drainage alignments, and carrying out other activities that obstruct the free flow of stormwater. He noted that such actions worsen flooding during periods of intense rainfall.

Wahab said the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across the world, with coastal cities experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall events.

“Lagos is not exempt from these realities. However, the state government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a flood-resilient city through sustained infrastructure development, environmental enforcement, and active collaboration with residents,” he said.

He also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to heed weather advisories and comply with safety instructions issued daily by relevant government agencies.

The appeal followed hours of heavy rainfall on Tuesday that triggered flash floods in several parts of Lagos, leaving many residents stranded as major transport routes became inundated.

On social media, distressed residents and celebrities shared videos showing flooded neighbourhoods as the rains overwhelmed sections of the city’s drainage infrastructure.

The government, however, emphasised that protecting Lagos from flooding is a shared responsibility. Wahab called on residents to support ongoing efforts by keeping drainage channels free of waste and reporting any activity capable of obstructing the free flow of stormwater.