The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Lagos State in tackling persistent flooding and improving water infrastructure, as both governments agreed to deepen cooperation on climate resilience, sanitation and sustainable water management.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Funmi Imuetinyan.
Utsev expressed the Federal Government’s sympathy over the recent flooding incidents in Lagos, stressing that stronger collaboration was essential to address the growing environmental challenge facing the state.
He noted that the ministry would work closely with the Lagos State Government to improve flood resilience through integrated water resources management, enhanced drainage infrastructure, effective urban planning and stronger institutional coordination.
The minister recalled that the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) identified Lagos among 33 states at high risk of flooding, highlighting the need for proactive planning, early warning systems and sustained cooperation between all levels of government.
According to him, flooding has become a recurring threat in Lagos, especially during the rainy season, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, transportation networks and other critical infrastructure.
He attributed the worsening situation to several factors, including the state’s coastal location, rapid urbanisation, climate change, rising sea levels and increasingly intense rainfall.
Utsev commended the Lagos State Government for ongoing efforts to reduce flood risks and pledged continued federal support toward implementing long-term and sustainable solutions.
“We are ready to work closely with Lagos State to strengthen flood resilience through integrated water resources management, improved drainage infrastructure, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and enhanced institutional coordination,” the minister said.
He also welcomed Lagos State’s interest in participating in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, describing it as a strategic initiative designed to improve access to water supply and sanitation through institutional reforms, better governance, enhanced service delivery and performance-based financing.
On sanitation, the minister acknowledged the state’s progress but urged it to intensify efforts toward achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, particularly in underserved communities.
Utsev further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation had prepared the first draft of the National Water Compact to strengthen policy coordination, institutional collaboration, investment mobilisation and sustainable water resources management in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the Federal Government had launched the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to enhance flood forecasting and emergency preparedness nationwide.
According to him, the new systems are expected to improve early warning capabilities, support timely interventions and strengthen coordination among governments, communities and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of flooding.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu appreciated the Federal Government for its continued support in addressing flood-related challenges across Lagos.
He described Lagos as particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its status as Nigeria’s commercial centre, noting that flooding and other environmental threats require sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities.
“There is a need for sustained collaboration between the federal and state governments in implementing practical and sustainable measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the state had developed a comprehensive roadmap for attaining Open Defecation Free status and reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to partnering with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to strengthen sanitation, improve hygiene services, enhance flood management and promote sustainable water resources development.
The meeting concluded with both governments reaffirming their resolve to build a cleaner, healthier and more climate-resilient Lagos through increased investment in water infrastructure, improved sanitation services and coordinated flood management initiatives.
Lagos experiences annual flooding caused by heavy rainfall, tidal surges, blocked drainage systems, rapid urban expansion and the growing impacts of climate change.
The Federal Government has continued to roll out reforms in the water sector, including the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System, the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System and the SURWASH programme, to improve access to safe water, strengthen sanitation services and enhance climate resilience across the country.
