The Federal Government and Lagos State have strengthened collaboration on flood control, water management and sanitation as the state battles recurring flooding linked to heavy rainfall and environmental pressures.
The commitment followed a meeting between the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Utsev pledged federal support for Lagos’ flood-resilience efforts through improved drainage systems, integrated water resources management, nature-based solutions, better urban planning and stronger coordination among agencies.
He said the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on April 15 underscored the urgency of action, with Lagos listed among 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory facing flood risks.
The outlook identified 14,118 communities across 266 local government areas as high-risk locations, highlighting the need for stronger preparedness and early-warning systems.
Utsev attributed Lagos’ vulnerability to its coastal geography, rapid urbanisation, climate change, rising sea levels and increasingly intense rainfall.
The renewed push follows recent flood incidents across the state. On July 13, 2026, the National Emergency Management Agency assessed flood-affected communities in Surulere, while Sanwo-Olu inspected impacted areas along the Lekki corridor, including Ogombo, Sangotedo, Awoyaya and the Chevron-Ajiran axis, on July 15.
The incidents renewed attention on Lagos’ long-standing flood challenges, driven by urban expansion, drainage pressure and environmental factors. In response, the state announced plans in July 2026 for the dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels.
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Beyond flood management, Utsev welcomed Lagos’ interest in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene programme, SURWASH, aimed at improving water access, sanitation services and sector governance.
He also urged stronger efforts towards achieving Open Defecation Free status, particularly in underserved communities.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation had prepared the first draft of the National Water Compact, designed to improve coordination, investment and sustainable water-resource management.
He further highlighted the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System as tools to strengthen forecasting and enable quicker responses to flood threats.
The renewed federal focus came after the National Emergency Management Agency activated its National Emergency Operations Centre on July 31, 2026, to improve coordination for the flood season.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos’ coastal location, population density and economic importance made sustained cooperation with the Federal Government essential in addressing climate-related challenges.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sanitation reforms, flood management and sustainable water development, including efforts towards achieving Open Defecation Free status.
Both governments pledged to shift flood management from emergency response to stronger prevention, preparedness and long-term climate resilience.