Lagos Blames Illegal Structures, Waste Disposal for Lekki Flooding

The Lagos State Government has blamed illegal constructions and reckless waste disposal for the severe flooding that disrupted life in parts of Lekki and surrounding areas on Tuesday.

In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, extended sympathy to residents affected by the downpour and resulting flash floods.

He stressed that human activities were worsening the city’s natural vulnerability to flooding.

The early morning rainfall triggered widespread flooding across Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, and nearby areas, submerging roads, homes, and shops.

The resulting chaos brought both pedestrian and vehicular traffic to a standstill for over seven hours.

Many commuters were stranded well into the night. While some managed to return home after 10 p.m., others remained stuck in traffic until the early hours of Wednesday.

Videos and posts circulated on social media showed submerged vehicles and frustrated residents, many of whom urged the government to take immediate action to prevent a recurrence.

Acknowledging the public outcry, Wahab noted that Lagos, being a coastal city, is prone to flooding—especially when intense rainfall coincides with high tides that prevent water from draining effectively.

He reiterated the need for residents to comply with urban planning laws and proper waste disposal practices to mitigate future risks.

READ ALSO: FG Warns Of Possible Flooding In 15 States, 69 Locations

He added: “Despite this, the State Government has continued to invest in drainage infrastructure, regular desilting, and enforcement of environmental laws to minimise flooding incidents and protect lives and property.

“We must also provide clarity on some of the affected areas. At Kusenla, the challenge is technical: the downstream is about 1.2 meters higher than the invert of the existing drainage, as confirmed by the survey conducted for the ongoing project awarded by the state government at the end of Kusenla road which includes a pumping station.”

“Around House on the Rock church, the flooding was linked to infractions we highlighted earlier; illegal construction on flood plains and dumping of refuse in drains. These kinds of activities worsen flooding and must stop.”

“We appeal for understanding and continued cooperation from the public. Keeping our environment clean, refraining from dumping refuse into drains, and avoiding construction on floodplains are vital to achieving a flood-free Lagos.

“In several of the videos shared yesterday, clear infractions were observed, and @followlasg will ensure that such illegal structures and obstructions are promptly removed.

“Including those illegal reclamations carried out without the requisite Environmental Impact Assessment Report and the Drainage Clearance.

“We also wish to assure residents that the flooding was a flash flood in some parts of the state and has since receded this morning. The Ministry remains committed to strengthening our flood management systems, but this effort requires the support and responsible actions of all Lagosians,” he said.