Persistent rainfall across Lagos has left residents grappling with flooded highways, severe traffic congestion, and rising transportation costs, forcing many commuters, traders, and business owners to adjust their daily routines to cope with the prolonged rainy season. The worsening conditions have highlighted the growing need for improved urban drainage systems and resilient transport infrastructure.

Many commuters now leave their homes before dawn to avoid hours of gridlock caused by flooded roads. Others rely on weather forecasts, navigation apps, raincoats, and waterproof gear to minimise disruptions to their daily activities. Residents also report that commercial transport fares often increase significantly whenever heavy rainfall occurs, placing additional financial pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Motorists say prolonged traffic congestion during rainfall has increased fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs, while public transport users complain that transport fares frequently surge during periods of flooding. For many workers, the rainy season has become a daily challenge requiring careful planning and additional expenses to reach workplaces on time.

Traders across several markets in Lagos say the rainy season presents both opportunities and challenges. While sellers of umbrellas and raincoats have experienced higher demand, many market operators report reduced customer traffic, damaged goods, and lost income whenever heavy rainfall and flooding discourage shoppers from visiting markets.

The situation aligns with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)‘s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, which forecasts a longer-than-normal rainy season for Lagos. Experts say the recurring floods underscore the need for improved drainage infrastructure, regular desilting of waterways, stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations, and greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce the economic and environmental impact of flooding.

Urban planning experts note that addressing flooding in Lagos will require coordinated investments in stormwater management, road infrastructure, and sustainable city planning. They argue that strengthening drainage networks and preventing the obstruction of waterways will improve mobility, reduce transport costs, and enhance the city’s resilience to extreme weather events

The post Lagos Residents Battle Flooded Highways, Rising Transport Costs Amid Heavy Rains appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has announced a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as part of renewed efforts to address environmental concerns and improve flood management along the project corridor.

The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, follows an inspection tour of completed and ongoing sections of the highway by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, alongside members of the National Assembly and officials from key government agencies.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, the engagement will bring together the Senate and House Committees on Works, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, the Lagos State Government, representatives of landlords’ associations, and other stakeholders.

The ministry said the meeting is aimed at addressing environmental concerns, promoting environmentally responsible practices, and strengthening collaboration on flood management around the highway corridor.

During the inspection, Umahi dismissed claims linking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to flooding in parts of Lagos, maintaining that the project was designed with modern drainage infrastructure to improve water flow and reduce flooding in shoreline communities.

The minister explained that the Federal Ministry of Works had already begun collaborating with the Lagos State Government on dredging activities and other environmental mitigation measures to tackle flooding in affected locations.

According to him, persistent flooding in many parts of Lagos is largely caused by indiscriminate refuse disposal, blocked drainage channels, obstructed manholes, and violations of environmental regulations by residents rather than the highway project itself.

“You can see people blocking manholes and creating hazards to the environment. Many complaints about flooding stem from human activities, not the road project,” Umahi said during the inspection.

He assured residents that the Federal Government would continue implementing remediation measures, including improved drainage systems, dredging operations, and strict enforcement of the approved right-of-way along the highway.

Umahi also warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or encroaching on designated setbacks would be removed to ensure effective flood control.

The minister noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway incorporates modern engineering features such as culverts, embankments, and drainage systems specifically designed to manage stormwater and complement wider flood-control efforts across Lagos.

He said the inspection was conducted on the directive of President Bola Tinubu as part of the administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure while promoting sustainable development.

To safeguard completed sections of the highway, Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare, to enforce environmental safety standards across the project.

He also announced the recruitment of 40 security and monitoring personnel—20 for daytime operations and 20 for night patrols—to prevent vandalism, theft of road infrastructure, and illegal refuse dumping along the highway.

Speaking at the inspection, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Moremi Ojudu, urged residents to support government efforts by protecting the environment and complying with environmental regulations.

Lawmakers who participated in the inspection also defended the project. The Minority Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, said flooding in Lagos predated the construction of the coastal highway and called for expert-driven environmental solutions.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the minister’s response to the President’s directive, stressing that Lagos’ flooding challenges require long-term, science-based interventions.

The Director of Environmental Impact Assessment at the Federal Ministry of Environment also confirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment was approved before construction of the highway commenced, adding that the growing effects of climate change have intensified flooding and other environmental challenges across Lagos.

The post FG Convenes Stakeholders’ Meeting on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Over Flooding Concerns appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Recurring floods across Lagos have once again raised concerns over the city’s ability to cope with heavy rainfall, with experts blaming a combination of rapid urbanisation, poor planning, disappearing wetlands and inadequate flood-control infrastructure for the persistent problem.

Recent downpours left several communities, including Kunsela Road in Ikate, Gbagada, Ologolo, Ajiran, Ikorodu Road and Shogunle in Oshodi, submerged, disrupting businesses, damaging property and forcing residents to wade through floodwaters.

For many Lagosians, seasonal flooding has become a familiar reality. However, the latest incidents have reignited debate over why the commercial capital continues to experience severe flooding despite ongoing drainage projects and government interventions.

Urban planning expert, Tpl. Niyi Aderohunmu, said decades of replacing wetlands and mangrove forests with residential and commercial developments have significantly reduced Lagos’ natural ability to absorb rainwater.

According to him, wetlands once acted as natural reservoirs that stored excess rainfall and released it gradually, but large-scale development has replaced these areas with concrete surfaces that generate faster runoff.

He explained that the destruction of natural drainage channels, especially along the Lekki corridor, has made many low-lying communities increasingly vulnerable whenever heavy rainfall coincides with high tides.

Geographer Abeeb Babajide Ajagbe also described wetlands and mangroves as the city’s “natural flood infrastructure,” warning that continuous development in environmentally sensitive areas has worsened flooding.

He argued that the problem extends beyond environmental degradation, pointing to planning failures, weak enforcement and approvals granted for developments in flood-prone locations.

Environmental resource management expert Gbenga Oloniniran shared similar concerns, saying unregulated urban expansion has removed natural barriers that previously reduced the impact of flooding.

According to him, low-lying communities now experience faster surface runoff because many natural flood buffers have disappeared.

Independent researcher Tonami Playman, however, believes Lagos’ flooding cannot be blamed solely on climate change or environmental loss.

He argued that the city’s greatest challenge is the absence of large-scale flood-control infrastructure capable of storing excess stormwater during periods of intense rainfall.

Playman noted that while drainage systems are important, cities such as Tokyo, Chicago and Kuala Lumpur have significantly reduced flood risks through massive investments in underground reservoirs, storage tunnels and flood-control facilities.

He maintained that Lagos requires similar long-term infrastructure rather than relying almost entirely on drainage expansion.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government attributed the recurring flooding to a combination of coastal geography, climate change, rapid urbanisation and the destruction of wetlands.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that nearly one-third of Lagos consists of lagoons, rivers, streams and swamps, making flooding difficult to eliminate completely.

He said the city naturally drains stormwater into these water bodies, but rapid development over the years has reduced the capacity of wetlands to absorb excess rainfall.

The commissioner also blamed illegal land reclamation in areas such as Ajiran, Agungi, Ikota and the Chevron corridor for obstructing natural drainage channels and worsening floods in surrounding communities.

According to Wahab, another challenge is “tidal locking,” a situation where heavy rainfall coincides with high sea levels, preventing floodwater from flowing into the Atlantic Ocean and lagoons until the tides recede.

He said the state government has intensified desilting of drainage channels, expanded flood-control infrastructure and issued flood advisories ahead of the peak rainy season to reduce the impact of flooding.

Experts, however, insist that drainage projects alone will not solve the problem.

They recommended stricter enforcement of building regulations, restoration and protection of wetlands, investment in modern flood-control infrastructure, adoption of nature-based solutions such as permeable pavements and green spaces, as well as stronger urban planning policies.

The Lagos State Government recently began demolishing structures obstructing drainage channels in Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota as part of efforts to restore waterways and reduce flooding.

The government has also unveiled plans to develop a blue-green drainage network involving canals, estate lakes and pumping stations aimed at improving flood management across the state.

Despite these measures, experts believe Lagos will continue to experience recurring floods unless long-term investments are made to strengthen both natural and engineered flood-control systems.

The post Why Lagos Keeps Flooding: Experts Explain Causes and Solutions appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive) in Ikoyi, Lagos State, have appealed to the Federal Government to halt an ongoing land reclamation project, alleging that it has triggered severe flooding, environmental hazards and persistent noise pollution in the area.

The residents claimed that continuous sand-filling of the lagoon has obstructed the natural flow of water, causing canals to overflow into residential compounds whenever it rains.

One of the residents, Mr. Obaro Ibru, said families have endured days of flooding that has damaged homes and forced residents to remain awake through the night bailing out water.

According to him, the flooding has affected bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms, creating serious health and safety concerns.

He alleged that the project, which was reportedly justified as a flood protection measure, has instead worsened flooding in the neighbourhood.

“We never had flooding like this before. There is absolutely no regard for the environment and the people being affected,” he said.

Ibru also complained about round-the-clock dredging activities, saying residents have been subjected to constant noise pollution.

“We also suffer from 24-hour daily noise pollution from the dredgers working all night. It’s totally inhumane,” he added.

Another resident, Mr. Daniel Gozama, said the reclamation work had altered the natural drainage system by restricting the flow of water into the lagoon.

He noted that residents had to hire workers to remove floodwater and debris from their compounds following recent heavy rainfall.

“We are only appealing to the government to look into the situation,” Gozama said.

The residents are urging both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to investigate the project and suspend further reclamation activities until measures are put in place to prevent flooding and protect surrounding communities.

The post Lagos Residents Urge FG to Halt Ikoyi Land Reclamation Over Flooding Fears appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Severe flooding swept through several communities in Lagos State on Tuesday after hours of heavy rainfall submerged homes, inundated major roads and disrupted electricity supply in parts of the state.

Residents in areas including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ajah, Ikeja, Evans, Olushi, Anikantamo and Adeniji Adele were left stranded as floodwaters overwhelmed drainage systems, forcing commuters to wade through waterlogged streets while motorists struggled to navigate submerged roads.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents moving through flooded streets, with some roads rendered impassable by rising water levels.

In Ikeja, floodwaters reportedly entered homes and business premises, prompting some residents to temporarily relocate for safety. Residents blamed the recurring flooding on blocked drainage channels, poor road design and indiscriminate refuse disposal.

A resident, Abidemi Raji, alleged that a drainage channel linking parts of the community had been obstructed following nearby construction activities, worsening the flooding situation.

The downpour also affected FESTAC in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where roads and inner streets were submerged, disrupting movement and economic activities.

The flooding triggered electricity outages in several communities after floodwaters affected facilities at the Oworo 132/33kV Transmission Station. In a public notice, Ikeja Electric said severe flooding damaged two power transformers and several 33kV feeders, disrupting supply to areas including Bariga, Gbagada, Oworo, Pedro, Alapere, Agboyi and surrounding communities.

The company said it was working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to restore power as soon as repairs were completed.

The impact of the heavy rainfall extended into neighbouring Ogun State, where residents of Gloryland Estate in Ibafo appealed for urgent government intervention, saying annual flooding had damaged buildings, disrupted transportation and exposed residents to health risks.

Reacting to the development, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the rainfall as an extreme weather event that temporarily overwhelmed existing drainage infrastructure.

He disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state as part of measures to improve flood control and reduce the impact of future downpours.

Wahab noted that Lagos’ coastal geography, characterised by lagoons, rivers and tidal water bodies, often slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea during high tides, making temporary flooding likely during periods of intense rainfall.

He urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels, avoid illegal reclamation of wetlands and comply with environmental regulations designed to reduce flooding.

The commissioner also advised motorists to stay away from flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents in vulnerable communities to adhere to weather advisories and safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

The post Lagos Floods Submerge Homes, Cut Power Supply as Heavy Rain Batters Communities appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have narrated the hardship they endured after Thursday’s torrential rainfall submerged roads, flooded homes and disrupted movement across several parts of the state.

The affected residents called on the Lagos State Government to urgently address the recurring flooding, which they blamed on inadequate drainage infrastructure and poor maintenance of existing channels.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a resident of Ajah, Mrs. Rukayat, said floodwaters covered a long stretch of Muri Okunola Road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water to reach their destinations.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists were forced to turn back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot as the road became impassable.

She added that tricycles were the only means of transportation available in some areas, but many broke down while attempting to navigate the flooded roads.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she explained.

Rukayat said residents had repeatedly reported the flooding challenge to relevant authorities but little had been done to provide a lasting solution.

She attributed the situation to blocked drainage channels and poor water flow through a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said, adding that overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might be obstructing the channel.

In Mafoluku, residents also recounted how the heavy rainfall left streets and homes submerged, stranding many people for hours.

A resident of Agboola Street, Mrs. Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, said she was unable to return home after stepping out to purchase household items before the downpour began.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street. I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr. Mukaila Idris, described the flood as both dangerous and frightening, noting that the strong current forced some residents to seek assistance before crossing flooded areas.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could move through the floodwaters safely, while many others had to wait for hours until the water level receded.

Mr. Williams Ekpo, who resides in the Eyinogun area, said the flooding extended beyond roads and entered residential compounds, causing damage to household property.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items. This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he lamented.

The residents appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to investigate the persistent flooding and implement lasting drainage and flood-control measures to protect lives and property during the rainy season.

The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over flooding in several parts of Lagos as heavy rains continue to batter the state, raising fears of further disruptions and property losses if urgent interventions are not undertaken.

The post Lagos Flooding: Residents Stranded as Heavy Rain Submerges Ajah, Mafoluku appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to mitigate flooding across vulnerable areas ahead of anticipated heavy rainfall.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during an inspection of flood-prone locations across Lagos Island and the Mainland.

The team visited areas including Apongbon and Olowogbowo, where recent construction activities have worsened flooding conditions. Wahab explained that ongoing construction in Apongbon triggered recent flooding, adding that the state has engaged the Federal Government and commenced corrective measures.

At Olowogbowo, he noted that rehabilitation work is already underway, with significant progress recorded to restore proper drainage and reduce flood risks.

Addressing concerns around the System 1 drainage channel, Wahab said flooding complaints from residents in Sholuyi and Bariga were linked to soil displacement during construction. He assured that additional equipment has been deployed to clear blockages and stabilise the channel.

The System 1 project, a major drainage initiative spanning Ikeja, Maryland, Bariga, and Shomolu, is expected to play a critical role in controlling flooding across key parts of Lagos Mainland once completed.

“We are a coastal state and must manage that reality. This project will significantly reduce flooding across the mainland,” Wahab said.

The commissioner also urged residents to avoid open defecation and make use of public sanitation facilities, noting that the government currently operates over 1,700 public toilets statewide, with plans to expand access.

On urban renewal, Wahab revealed that the state has commenced the MTN Yello Park project in Obalende, a recreational development expected to be completed within 21 weeks. He added that temporary relocations may occur but assured that affected individuals would return after project completion.

The post Lagos Moves to Tackle Flooding Risks appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The has begun deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect early warning signs of flooding as part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, , disclosed that the state is using AI-driven systems to track water levels and monitor waterways across in real time.

He explained that the move is aimed at providing early warnings and reducing the impact of flooding, especially as the rainy season approaches.

Lagos vulnerable due to coastal location

Wahab noted that Lagos remains highly prone to flooding due to its coastal geography, with a significant portion of its landmass surrounded by water and areas like Lekki originally developed from reclaimed swamps.

Flood control team operates round the clock

To complement the technology, the government has deployed a dedicated flood abatement team working 24 hours daily to clear drainage systems and ensure free flow of water.

According to the commissioner, effective drainage management alone could address up to 50 percent of flooding challenges in the state.

Crackdown on illegal structures and waste disposal

The government also plans to remove illegal structures blocking waterways and replace them with sustainable solutions such as mangrove restoration, wetland preservation, and improved drainage infrastructure.

Residents were warned against indiscriminate waste disposal and open burning, which remain illegal and contribute to environmental hazards.

Push for smarter flood management

The initiative reflects Lagos State’s shift toward technology-driven environmental management, combining AI monitoring with traditional flood control measures to reduce risks and protect residents.

The post Lagos Deploys AI Flood Detection System to Tackle Rising Flood Risks appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Lagos State branch, says it will work with the state government to use artificial intelligence and digital mapping to address persistent flooding in the city.

Speaking at the 2025 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Seminar themed “Intelligent Flood Hazard and Vulnerability Mapping,” Vice Chairman Olukayode Ogundare said flooding in Lagos should not be left to the government alone.

He noted that surveyors can apply AI tools to predict and map flood-prone areas, helping the state develop preventive measures. Ogundare added that the institution would keep building members’ capacity and ensuring compliance with professional standards.

The post Lagos Surveyors, Govt Partner to Curb Flooding with AI appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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.

The post Researchers Urge Community-Driven Action to Curb Flooding in Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.