The Lagos State Government and the Federal Government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration on flood management, urban water development and sanitation as the state continues to face increasing climate-related challenges.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday.
During the meeting, both officials acknowledged the growing impact of flooding on communities, businesses and livelihoods across Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for engaging the state government on flood management, describing the visit as an opportunity to deepen cooperation between both levels of government.
He said stronger collaboration was necessary, particularly in flood resilience, urban development and water management, given Lagos’ vulnerability to flooding.
The governor disclosed that the state government had continued to invest in drainage infrastructure to ensure stormwater was properly channelled through canals, rivers and lagoons.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos accommodates more than 10% of Nigeria’s population despite occupying less than 0.5% of the country’s total landmass, while about one-third of the state is covered by natural bodies of water.
He said Lagos’ low-lying terrain and proximity to the sea had further increased its exposure 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: lagoons, creeks, rivers and tributaries all around,” he said.
“The flip side of that small location is that it has over 10 per cent of the country’s population. In a tiny place that has a huge amount of population and is also surrounded by water, we are now also experiencing heavy rainfall.”
The governor said the state had introduced various interventions aimed at improving its capacity to respond to flooding and other climate-related emergencies.
He explained that Lagos’ approach was focused on building resilience that could reduce the impact of extreme weather events and support faster recovery when flooding occurs.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Utsev said the engagement was aimed at deepening collaboration with Lagos State in three key areas: strengthening flood resilience, accelerating progress towards Open Defecation Free status and advancing sustainable urban water sector reforms.
The minister said the Federal Government recognised the growing risks associated with rapid urbanisation and climate change, adding that tackling the challenges required sustained investment and stronger coordination between federal and state authorities.
Utsev identified integrated water resources management, improved drainage systems, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and stronger institutional coordination as critical measures for addressing flooding.
He commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for its efforts in Lagos and assured the state of the Federal Government’s support in strengthening flood resilience and protecting vulnerable communities.
The minister also praised the state’s sanitation and hygiene initiatives but stressed the need for faster action in areas where access to basic sanitation facilities remained limited.
He said flooding had become a major challenge in Lagos, particularly during the rainy season, with heavy rainfall frequently causing road submergence, business disruptions, property damage and power supply challenges.
According to Utsev, the problem is driven by Lagos’ geographical features, climate change, rising sea levels, rapid urbanisation and prolonged rainfall.
Beyond flood management, the minister emphasised the importance of improving sanitation services, urging Lagos to accelerate efforts towards achieving Open Defecation Free status, especially in underserved communities.
Both governments are expected to build on the renewed partnership to develop sustainable solutions for flooding, improve water and sanitation services and strengthen the resilience of communities across Lagos.
