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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has revealed that flooding across the state has displaced more than 3,000 residents and affected over 6,000 others between January and October 2025.
The governor made this known while calling for stronger collaboration and innovative approaches to tackle the recurrent flooding challenges facing Lagos.
He spoke during the World Habitat Day 2025 commemoration held in Ikeja on Monday.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu said the state remains committed to developing long-term flood-resilient systems that safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
He noted that as a coastal city, Lagos continues to experience severe flooding due to its geographical and environmental peculiarities, emphasizing the need for proactive rather than reactive responses.
“Flooding remains one of the greatest environmental threats confronting Lagos as an aquatic state. It can cause extensive destruction to lives and property,” he said.
The governor disclosed that over 57,000 residents have been impacted by floods in 2025, with many homes destroyed.
He explained that the government has been implementing a multi-pronged approach involving sustainable land use planning, construction of resilient infrastructure, and promotion of green spaces to minimize the effects of flooding.
Sanwo-Olu identified the Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO) as the coordinating body driving these initiatives under the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda.
He added that true resilience requires not only emergency response measures but also early warning systems, efficient drainage networks, and collaboration among government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and communities.
The governor further appealed to private investors and development partners to support the state’s flood mitigation agenda through investments in mangrove restoration, flood-resilient housing, smart drainage technologies, renewable energy, and urban risk insurance.
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