As the rainy season intensifies, the Lagos State Government has launched an aggressive stormwater management plan, deploying emergency pumps across key flood-prone areas. This swift action aims to protect lives, safeguard property, and keep Africa’s largest city moving.
On Thursday, officials announced that the deployment of stormwater emergency pumps was already underway. Speaking at a press briefing, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing the impact of flooding, which has worsened in recent years due to rapid urbanization and climate change.
“We cannot completely eliminate floods, but we can drastically reduce their impact,” Wahab said. “These emergency pumps will support our drainage systems, ensuring faster water evacuation during heavy rains.”
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) revealed that 20 mobile pumping units have been positioned at strategic locations, including Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, and Surulere. The decision follows early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), forecasting heavier-than-usual rainfall between April and July.
Residents in affected areas welcomed the news but called for more long-term solutions. “The pumps are good, but we need proper drainage too,” said John Okonkwo, a shop owner in Lekki. “Every year it’s the same problem.”
Experts say the government’s approach reflects a growing trend of adaptive urban management. Dr. Funmilayo Olumide, a climate resilience specialist, noted that emergency interventions like mobile pumps are essential but must be part of a larger infrastructure upgrade. “Flooding will only get worse if cities like Lagos don’t modernize drainage systems and rethink urban planning,” she said.
The Lagos State Government has also launched a public awareness campaign, urging residents to clear blocked drains and avoid building on waterways. Enforcement teams have been mobilized to demolish illegal structures obstructing natural watercourses.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Lagos is a low-lying coastal city, making it naturally vulnerable to flooding. Combined with a population exceeding 20 million, the stakes are high. A recent World Bank report ranked Lagos among the top 10 cities globally at risk from rising sea levels and extreme weather.
Nonetheless, authorities are optimistic. “This is not just an emergency measure. It’s part of a broader flood mitigation strategy,” Wahab said, hinting at future investments in green infrastructure such as retention ponds and permeable pavements.
As the rainy season gathers momentum, all eyes are on how effective the emergency pumps will be. For many Lagosians, the hope is simple: a city where rain no longer means fear, loss, and disruption.
