The Lagos State Government has deployed temporary pumping stations in key parts of Lagos Island to alleviate stormwater build-up and mitigate the effects of flooding on residents and businesses.
The initiative was announced on Thursday by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to Wahab, the intervention follows multiple reports of flooding and related disruptions in areas including Aroloya Street, Ojo-Giwa, Binuyo, and Oroyinyin. He explained that the temporary measure is part of an immediate relief effort while long-term construction and regeneration works continue.
“Following reports of the inconveniences being experienced by residents of Aroloya Street, Ojo-Giwa, Binuyo, Oroyinyin, and other areas in Lagos Island, the Lagos State Government has set up pumping stations in the area to pump out the storm water and relieve residents and business owners,” Wahab stated.
The commissioner’s post was accompanied by images and a video clip. The visuals showed roads submerged in stagnant black water, while the video depicted pumping activities in action, with large hoses draining floodwater into a nearby canal.
Part of a Broader Regeneration Strategy
Mr Wahab reaffirmed the government’s commitment to flood mitigation efforts on Lagos Island, noting that the pumps are a temporary component of a larger regeneration strategy. This long-term plan includes expanding the drainage network, introducing smart pumping systems, and reconstructing roads to improve water flow.
He appealed to residents to support ongoing efforts by cooperating with contractors, properly disposing of waste, and exercising patience as the state works to complete its infrastructure upgrades.
Addressing the Root Causes
Flooding continues to be a major challenge in Lagos, exacerbated by poor waste disposal, illegal structures, and insufficient drainage systems. In response, the Lagos State Government has stepped up its actions through stricter enforcement, public education campaigns, and significant investment in flood control infrastructure.
The state’s Drainage Enforcement and Compliance (DEC) Department, under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has been at the forefront of these efforts—clearing drainage blockages, enforcing regulations, and sensitising the public on best practices.
At the Seasonal Climate Prediction briefing held in March 2025, Commissioner Wahab warned that Lagos is expected to receive above-normal rainfall this year—estimated at 1,936mm, exceeding the long-term average. He cautioned that the heightened rainfall could result in flash floods, property damage, traffic disruptions, and delays in flight operations.
To mitigate these risks, the government has intensified the demolition of illegal structures blocking drainage channels and has begun active water pumping in flood-prone zones to improve water flow and reduce flood hazards across the city.