The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Lagos State in tackling persistent flooding and strengthening water infrastructure, as both governments agreed to enhance collaboration on climate resilience, water sector reforms and sanitation.
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 and pledged closer collaboration with the state to improve flood resilience through integrated water resources management, upgraded drainage systems, effective urban planning and stronger institutional coordination.
He noted that the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, identified Lagos among the 33 states most vulnerable to flooding, stressing the importance of proactive planning, early warning systems and stronger cooperation between all levels of government.
According to the minister, flooding has become an increasingly severe challenge in Lagos, especially during the rainy season, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, transportation networks and other critical infrastructure.
He attributed the recurring floods to a combination of 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 mitigate flood risks and assured the state of continued federal support in 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,” he said.
The minister also welcomed Lagos State’s interest in joining the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, SURWASH, programme, describing it as a strategic initiative designed to improve water supply and sanitation through institutional reforms, enhanced governance, better service delivery and performance-based financing.
While acknowledging the state’s progress in sanitation and hygiene, Utsev urged Lagos to intensify efforts toward achieving Open Defecation Free, ODF, status, particularly in underserved communities.
He further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation had prepared the first draft of the National Water Compact to drive reforms through improved policy coordination, institutional collaboration, investment mobilisation and sustainable water resources management in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Utsev also highlighted the launch of the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, noting that both initiatives are expected to improve flood prediction, support timely response and strengthen emergency preparedness.
“The systems will strengthen flood forecasting, support early action and improve coordination among governments, communities and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of flooding,” he added.
In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked the minister for the visit and appreciated the Federal Government’s continued support in addressing flood-related challenges confronting the state.
The governor noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial and economic hub, remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly flooding and other environmental pressures.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He revealed that the state had already developed a comprehensive roadmap to attain Open Defecation Free status and reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to improve sanitation, strengthen hygiene services, enhance flood management and promote sustainable water resources development.
The meeting concluded with both governments reiterating their commitment to building a cleaner, healthier, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos through increased investment in water infrastructure, improved sanitation services and coordinated flood management initiatives.
Nigerian govt pledges stronger support for Lagos to tackle flooding