ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Lagos State has obtained support from the World Bank to strengthen its disaster risk management and emergency response systems ahead of the rainy season, as the city continues to grapple with recurring flooding that disrupts lives and damages infrastructure.
The partnership, discussed during a meeting on Wednesday in Lagos, is aimed at improving early warning systems, boosting emergency preparedness, and increasing public awareness.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the collaboration would also focus on improving drainage infrastructure and ensuring quicker response during periods of heavy rainfall.
“We welcome both technical and investment support that will position Lagos as a model for disaster risk management in Nigeria,” the executive said in a statement.
Lagos, which is bordered by about 486 kilometres of the Atlantic Ocean and has nearly a quarter of its landmass covered by water, remains highly vulnerable to flash floods. “We did not create this geography, but we must manage it responsibly,” Wahab added.
READ ALSO: Lagos State Set To Begin Urban Regeneration On Lagos Island To Combat Flooding
He explained that early warning alerts are issued every year, noting that updated advisories will be released later this month after forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
According to him, the advisories will be shared with residents and relevant agencies, including LASEMA and the State Command and Control Centre.
The city has a tropical wet and dry climate, with the rainy season spanning from April to October and the most intense rainfall occurring between June and September.
Lagos experienced severe flooding in August and September 2022, which displaced thousands of residents and disrupted transportation.
Wahab said the state government has stepped up year-round clearing and dredging of drainage channels and manholes, while also enforcing regulations against building on floodplains and destroying mangroves that serve as natural protective barriers.
“Science shows that during periods of heavy rainfall, tidal lock can prevent stormwater from discharging effectively. Infrastructure alone is not enough. Compliance and environmental responsibility are critical,” he stated.
Lagos produces about 13,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste each day. The ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics is part of efforts to transition from a linear waste system to one that views waste as a resource for wealth creation and energy generation.
Officials noted that the collaboration forms part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to build resilient infrastructure, strengthen institutions, and safeguard lives and property.
“Preparedness is not optional for a coastal megacity like ours. It is a responsibility we take seriously,” Wahab said.