Babajide Sanwo-Olu laments Lagos flood crisis as over 6,000 residents are affected and 3,000 displaced between January and October 2025

Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed concern over the devastating impact of flooding in Lagos, revealing that more than 3,000 residents were displaced and over 6,000 affected between January and October 2025.

Also read: Lagos flooding prompts govt action, public appeal

Speaking at the 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Ikeja, themed “Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus,” the governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin described flooding as one of the state’s greatest environmental challenges.

“As an aquatic state, flooding is a major challenge confronting Lagos. It is an environmental menace capable of widespread destruction,” Babajide Sanwo-Olu said, adding that over 57,000 residents had been impacted this year through the loss of homes and livelihoods.

The governor outlined a range of interventions under the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda, including sustainable land-use planning, resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, and the creation of more green spaces.

He also emphasised the importance of strengthening early warning systems, upgrading drainage channels, and enhancing collaboration with federal agencies and humanitarian organisations.

Sanwo-Olu called on the private sector to support flood-resilient projects, citing the Dangote Group as an example of effective corporate partnership.

“Investing in flood-resilient housing, smart drainage systems, renewable energy, and urban-risk insurance will safeguard communities while creating new avenues for growth,” he said.

Other speakers, including Commissioner for Physical Planning Oluyinka Olumide and Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development Olajide Babatunde, advocated stricter regulation and climate-integrated urban planning to make Lagos more resilient to flooding.

The event featured exhibitions, expert lectures, and youth debates showcasing innovative solutions for housing, flood management, and environmental sustainability.

It comes weeks after heavy downpours in September left major roads such as Ikorodu Road submerged, causing gridlock and forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Environment has warned that several states, including Lagos, may experience heavy rainfall and flooding between October 4 and 8, 2025, identifying 39 high-risk locations across 16 states.