Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed the severe impact of flooding across the state between January and October 2025, affecting over 57,000 residents, displacing more than 3,000, and destroying numerous homes and livelihoods. This disclosure was made during the commemoration of World Habitat Day 2025 in Ikeja, where the Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, addressed the theme “Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus.” He underscored the critical challenges Lagos faces as a coastal megacity, noting that flooding remains one of its most significant environmental threats, capable of widespread damage.

In response to these pervasive issues, the state government has initiated proactive and integrated measures. Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted a comprehensive urban development strategy that includes sustainable land use planning, the construction of resilient infrastructure, expansion of affordable housing, promotion of green spaces, and extensive climate change adaptation initiatives. The Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO) is central to these efforts, coordinating actions under the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda. The Governor stressed that emergency response alone is insufficient, advocating for robust early warning systems, efficient drainage networks, and strong collaboration with federal agencies, humanitarian organizations, and local communities to build a truly resilient Lagos.

Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu urged private investors, development partners, and innovators to actively support the state’s flood resilience agenda. He suggested participation in initiatives such as mangrove restoration, the development of flood-resilient housing, implementation of smart drainage systems, promotion of renewable energy, and urban risk insurance. He cited successful existing partnerships, like those with the Dangote Group, as models for productive collaborations.

The devastating effects of the floods were vividly demonstrated in August 2025 when torrential rainfall between August 3rd and 4th led to significant submersion in parts of the Ijede area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. This incident left residents stranded, with homes, streets, and vehicles engulfed by floodwaters. Viral videos circulated online, showing distraught residents appealing for urgent government intervention, describing their communities as oceans and their properties severely damaged.

Responding to the Ijede crisis, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, acknowledged the public's concerns. He assured residents that an ongoing drainage project in the area, awarded by Governor Sanwo-Olu, is designed to offer a permanent solution. Commissioner Wahab directed the contractor to immediately commence excavation work towards the discharge point and prioritize the construction of culverts, with concrete lining to follow. He also extended an apology to the affected residents for the inconvenience caused by the situation.