The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and modernizing its drainage infrastructure to reduce perennial flooding and enhance environmental resilience across the city.
During an inspection tour of key ongoing drainage projects on Sunday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the state’s comprehensive flood control measures, especially in flood-prone areas like Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Park View Estate.
Massive Infrastructure Upgrade Underway on Lagos Island
Speaking to journalists after visiting several project sites tied to the Lagos Island Regeneration Initiative, including Onikoyi Banana Island and Femi Pedro Avenue in Park View Estate, Wahab expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
“We came to Lagos Island to assess the level of compliance and progress on the regeneration efforts led by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, and LASURA. We are pleased with what we’ve seen,” Wahab said.
One of the notable projects includes drainage works around Gorodom Market, where the secondary collector drain lining is nearing completion. The commissioner described the development as critical to mitigating flash floods across the Lagos Island corridor.
Tackling Flooding in Ikoyi and Banana Island
The inspection also took Wahab’s team to Ikoyi following recent flash floods around Turnbull and Banana Island Road. Investigations by the ministry uncovered a blocked underground culvert near Shoreline Road, which had contributed to waterlogging in the area.
“The recent heavy rainfall overwhelmed the existing tertiary drains on Banana Island Road. We have carried out immediate remedial work and upgraded the drainage infrastructure to prevent future occurrences,” he explained.
Wahab revealed plans to convert one of the existing tertiary drains into a secondary collector. The upgraded system will channel stormwater from Shoreline and Banana Island Road through Mojisola Onikoyi into the Lagos Lagoon.
Park View Estate Drainage Set for Completion
The commissioner also visited ongoing drainage works in Park View Estate. The key project on Femi Pedro Avenue aims to provide a direct discharge point for stormwater into the Lagoon, reducing flooding risks in the upscale neighborhood.
“We are confident in the project’s delivery timeline. Contractors have been given 90 days to complete the work, and we’re satisfied with the current progress,” Wahab stated.
Former Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, who joined the site visit, praised the state government for prioritizing sustainable drainage systems in the estate.
Crackdown on Illegal Trading Under Bridges
During the tour, Wahab’s team stopped at Underbridge Idumagbo and areas beneath the Third Mainland Bridge along Oja Oba Street, off Adeniji Adele Road. Despite previous enforcement actions, illegal trading had resumed in these high-risk zones.
Wahab emphasized the need to protect critical infrastructure and public safety, instructing traders to vacate immediately.
“We understand the need for economic activity, but trading under major infrastructure like bridges is unsafe. Our goal is not to disrupt livelihoods, but to ensure organized, secure spaces for commerce,” he said.
He directed that the trading areas be temporarily shut down and requested a layout plan from the traders to ensure future operations meet safety and environmental standards.
Conclusion
With climate change intensifying rainfall patterns and urban expansion placing additional strain on existing infrastructure, the Lagos State Government’s proactive drainage upgrades signal a long-term approach to flood mitigation. The ongoing efforts across Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Park View Estate underscore the administration’s focus on sustainable urban resilience.
