Researchers have called for urgent community-led efforts to address worsening flooding in Ajegunle, Lagos State, stressing the need for inclusive and sustainable solutions to protect vulnerable residents.
The call came during a meeting between Ajegunle residents and experts from the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), University of Lagos, under the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) led by the University of Manchester, UK.
Prof. Peter Elias, Co-Director of CHSD, said flooding in Lagos’ coastal settlements is worsening due to climate change, poor planning, and weak infrastructure. He noted that the Action Research for Climate Resilience (AR4CR) project aims to develop solutions through collaboration with local stakeholders.
Temilade Sesan, Lagos City Manager for ACRC, said the initiative will harness community knowledge to mitigate flood risks that cause deaths, asset loss, and displacement.
Bimbo Oshobe, President of the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, urged government support for the construction of embankments to protect the community, noting that dam releases and climate change worsen flooding beyond rainfall.
