FG pledges stronger support for Lagos on flooding, water infrastructure
August 6, 2026 9:36 pm
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev. Photo: The Nation
The Federal Government has pledged stronger support for Lagos State to tackle recurring flooding and improve water infrastructure as both governments agreed to deepen collaboration on climate resilience, urban water sector reforms and sanitation.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina, according to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Funmi Imuetinyan, on Thursday.
Utsev, who conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathies over the recent flooding incidents in Lagos, said the ministry would work closely with the state to strengthen flood resilience through integrated water resources management, improved drainage infrastructure, better urban planning and enhanced institutional coordination.
“The Annual Flood Outlook 2026 issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency identified Lagos as one of the 33 states at high risk of flooding, underscoring the need for proactive planning, early warning systems and stronger intergovernmental collaboration,” the minister said.
He noted that flooding had become an increasingly serious challenge in Lagos, particularly during the rainy season, with devastating consequences for homes, businesses, transportation networks and critical infrastructure.
According to him, the state’s coastal geography, rapid urbanisation, climate change, rising sea levels and increasingly intense rainfall have continued to worsen the flooding situation.
The minister commended the Lagos State Government for measures already introduced to reduce flood risks and assured the state of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable solutions.
“We are ready to work closely with Lagos State to strengthen flood resilience through integrated water resources management, improved drainage infrastructure, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and enhanced institutional coordination,” he said.
Utsev also welcomed Lagos State’s interest in participating in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene programme, describing it as “a strategic platform for improving water supply and sanitation services through institutional reforms, strengthened governance, enhanced service delivery and performance-based financing.”
On sanitation, the minister praised the state’s efforts to improve hygiene and sanitation services but urged it to accelerate progress towards attaining Open Defecation Free status, particularly in underserved communities.
He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation had developed the first draft of the National Water Compact to drive reforms through improved policy coordination, institutional collaboration, investment mobilisation and sustainable water resources management in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Utsev added that the Federal Government had launched the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to improve flood forecasting and strengthen emergency preparedness.
“The systems will strengthen flood forecasting, support early action and improve coordination among governments, communities and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of flooding,” he said.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu welcomed the minister and thanked the Federal Government for its continued support in addressing flood-related challenges in Lagos.
The governor said Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, remained vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change, particularly flooding and other environmental challenges.
“There is a need for sustained collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in implementing practical and sustainable measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He disclosed that Lagos had already developed a comprehensive strategy to attain Open Defecation Free status and reaffirmed the state’s readiness to work with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to improve sanitation, strengthen hygiene services, enhance flood management and promote sustainable water resources development.
The meeting ended with both governments reaffirming their commitment to building a cleaner, healthier, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos through stronger investments in water infrastructure, improved sanitation and coordinated flood management.
PUNCH Online reports that Lagos experiences annual flooding driven by heavy rainfall, tidal surges, blocked drainage channels, rapid urbanisation and the effects of climate change.
In its 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency identified Lagos among 33 states at high risk of flooding, prompting renewed emphasis on early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and coordinated responses by federal and state authorities.
The Federal Government has also intensified reforms in the water sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda through initiatives such as the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System, the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene programme, aimed at expanding access to safe water, improving sanitation services and strengthening climate resilience nationwide.
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.
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