The Federal Government has urged residents of Lagos to support flood-prevention efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainage channels, warning that poor waste management can worsen urban flooding.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made the call during an assessment visit to flood-prone communities and critical water infrastructure in Lagos. He said effective flood management required collective responsibility, with residents playing a key role in protecting drainage systems and maintaining a clean environment.
Utsev said the assessment was part of a nationwide exercise to identify water, sanitation, hygiene and flood-related challenges and develop practical solutions with state governments, development partners and the private sector. He commended ongoing measures by the Lagos Government and relevant federal agencies, including the Ilubirin Mechanical Pumping Station, which he described as a practical solution for managing excess floodwater.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Mohammed, said the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook projected above-normal rainfall in many parts of the country. He urged residents and authorities to remain vigilant, strengthen early-warning systems and respond promptly to flood alerts.
Lagos authorities said early-warning advisories had been issued to vulnerable communities based on forecasts from relevant agencies, while investments in flood-control infrastructure continued. Residents also appealed for faster completion of drainage and bridge projects, stressing that improved infrastructure and responsible waste disposal were essential to reducing flood risks.
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