Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disclosed that flooding between January and October 2025 has displaced over 3,000 residents and affected more than 57,000 people across the state.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at Monday’s World Habitat Day 2025 celebration in Ikeja, the governor stressed the urgent need for enhanced collaboration on flood-resilient infrastructure to protect lives and livelihoods while bolstering the state’s climate change adaptation capacity.
Addressing this year’s theme, “Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus,” Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the unique vulnerabilities Lagos faces as a coastal megacity, emphasizing that decisive and sustained action remains critical.
“Flooding represents a significant environmental challenge for Lagos as an aquatic state, with the potential for extensive destruction,” the governor stated. “This year alone, the disaster has impacted over 57,000 people, displaced more than 3,000, and damaged numerous homes. Our administration has responded with proactive interventions.”
The governor detailed the state’s comprehensive urban development strategy, encompassing sustainable land use planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, affordable housing initiatives, expansion of green spaces, and climate change mitigation measures. He identified the Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO) as the primary coordinating agency implementing these initiatives under the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S. + Agenda.
“Emergency response alone cannot solve this crisis. Building a resilient and sustainable Lagos requires strengthening flood early warning systems, upgrading urban drainage infrastructure, and fostering partnerships with federal agencies, humanitarian organizations, and community stakeholders,” Sanwo-Olu explained.
The governor appealed to private sector investors, development partners, and innovators to support climate adaptation projects and mangrove restoration efforts, highlighting successful collaborations such as the partnership with Dangote Group. He noted that investments in flood-resistant housing, advanced drainage systems, renewable energy, and urban risk insurance would simultaneously protect communities and generate economic opportunities.
Sanwo-Olu affirmed that his administration’s objective is ensuring Lagos remains livable and sustainable for generations to come.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, described World Habitat Day as an opportunity for governments and citizens to evaluate human settlements and renew commitments to sustainable urban planning. He characterized flooding in Lagos as an immediate reality demanding proactive governance, rigorous enforcement of development codes, and climate-conscious urban design.
Olumide praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership in advancing infrastructure modernization, flood management, and housing provision throughout the state.
Permanent Secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, Engineer Oluwole Sotire, expressed gratitude to partners, youth participants, and stakeholders for their contributions to the event’s success, reaffirming the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration toward achieving a more flood-resilient Lagos.
Additional presentations came from Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development; Town Planner Hakeem Badejo, Chairman of the Association of Town Planning Professionals (ATOPCON); and Town Planner Dele Akindele, Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, Lagos State chapter. Engineer Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, delivered a thematic presentation on flood management.
The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration included expert lectures, exhibitions, and youth debates highlighting innovative approaches to housing, flood control, and environmental sustainability.
