By Lagos, Nigeria-The Lagos State Government today said it has inspected several drainage projects in the Lekki area as part of preparations for the 2026 rainy season and has stopped illegal building activities blocking major drainage channels in Ikota and Ogombo.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known after leading an inspection of flood control projects in the area.
He said recent heavy rains in December and early January showed the need for Lagos to continue improving its drainage systems to prevent flooding.
According to the commissioner, the government acted on a whistleblower’s report about people building on important drainage paths, including System 46 and wetlands in Ikota and Ogombo. He said stop-work orders were issued at the affected sites and enforcement teams would ensure the drainage channels are protected.
At Ikota, he said contractors are working to line a drainage channel with concrete to solve frequent flooding in the area. Work is also ongoing at Kusenla Road in Ikate, where a new drainage channel and a pumping station are being built to move floodwater into a larger drainage route known as Freedom alignment.
The commissioner said these projects are designed to provide long term solutions to flooding.
He also said the government observed illegal sand filling of wetlands and new illegal settlements along the coastal area. According to him, the state is working with federal authorities to address the situation while protecting the environment and public safety.
He advised residents not to dump refuse on roads, road medians, or inside drainage channels, stressing that flood control is a shared responsibility between the government and the public.
