By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading drainage infrastructure across the state as part of sustained efforts to mitigate flooding and address the growing impact of climate change.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, restated the government’s position on Sunday,25 January, 2026 while addressing journalists after an inspection tour of several ongoing drainage projects in parts of the state.
Wahab said the intensity and frequency of recent rainfall, which persisted from December into the new year, underscored the reality of climate change and global warming, noting that the state must continuously adapt its infrastructure to withstand emerging environmental challenges.
He explained that the inspection tour was prompted by whistleblower reports received by the ministry over alleged encroachment on the System 46 drainage corridor.
According to him, such activities, if left unchecked, could alter the drainage alignment and cause long-term disruption to the Ikota River channel.
“We will keep ramping up our advocacy activities and upgrading our infrastructure for public use. You will also notice that the rain has not even stopped; it rained all through December to January, and we have resumed our routine activities for the year now,” Wahab said.
He disclosed that individuals involved in the encroachment had been issued stop-work orders, adding that warning signposts would be erected to prevent further violations.
The Commissioner also addressed flooding concerns around the Mobil area in Ikota, recalling that enforcement actions carried out two years ago led to the removal of contraventions along the System 44 drainage alignment.
According to him, a contractor is currently handling drainage works in the area to permanently address the flooding challenge.
“The upstream and the downstream have been dammed to allow the contractors to do the construction work. The contractors have been asked to hasten up the work so they can remove the dammed area and move to other areas because they have about 800 metres to complete at the upstream and about 800 metres to the Ikota River at the downstream sector,” he explained.
Wahab further said the inspection team visited Ikate, where the state government has awarded contracts for drainage concrete lining and the construction of a pumping station aimed at deflooding the area.
He noted that the projects were part of a broader strategy to strengthen flood resilience across vulnerable communities, particularly in Eti-Osa and adjoining coastal areas.
Locations visited during the inspection included Ogombo Road at a wetland sand-filling site; LSDPC Treasure Estate on Evan Ikoku Road off the Coastal Road; Lekki II–Ikota along the System 44 drainage channel in Eti-Osa Local Government Area; System 156 along the Coastal Road; and the Kusenla Drainage Channel.
Wahab reiterated that the state government would continue to combine enforcement, infrastructure upgrades and public awareness to safeguard lives and property, stressing that drainage channels must be protected from encroachment to ensure optimal performance.
He urged residents to cooperate with government agencies by reporting violations and refraining from activities that could obstruct natural water flow, assuring that the administration remains committed to building a more flood-resilient Lagos.
