The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA) has raised the alarm over increasing flood risks caused by indiscriminate waste disposal, construction on floodplains, and blocked water channels in Ogun, Lagos, and other Southwest states.
At a sensitisation workshop in Abeokuta themed “Alleviating the Impact of Flood Through Proper Waste Disposal and Adequate Drainage System,” O-ORBDA’s Managing Director, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, stressed that many floods are man-made disasters worsened by poor environmental practices.
Waste Dumping in Waterways clogs drainage systems and worsens flooding, Construction on Floodplains disrupts natural water flow, while Open Drainage Channels encourage illegal refuse disposal.
Ogun State Commissioner for the Environment, Ola Oresanya, proposed covering drainage channels to prevent waste dumping, calling it a necessary urban planning policy.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Babatunde Akinwumi, urged citizens to take responsibility instead of relying solely on government action.
Flood risks are rising due to urbanisation and poor waste management.
State governments are seeking solutions, including stricter urban planning and public awareness.
Community cooperation is critical to preventing avoidable disasters.
O-ORBDA will continue flood control projects while pushing for better waste management policies.
Residents are urged to stop blocking waterways and report illegal dumping.
Without urgent action, preventable flooding will keep disrupting lives and economies in Southwest Nigeria.
