Lagos Government Intensifies Flood Control Efforts with Demolition of Illegal Structures in Ebute Metta
The Lagos State Government has begun the removal of illegal structures obstructing the Jebba/Kano collector in Ebute Metta, as part of ongoing measures to strengthen the city’s drainage infrastructure and mitigate recurring flooding.
The enforcement, announced on Thursday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, targeted encroachments that had blocked stormwater flow in the area. Wahab shared footage of the operation on his official X account, showing workers dismantling concrete barriers and metal fixtures that had impeded drainage.
“Our enforcement team conducted the removal of illegal structures built along the Jebba/Kano collector, Ebute Metta. These encroachments have obstructed the free flow of stormwater and contributed to flooding in the axis,” Wahab stated.
He urged residents to respect drainage rights-of-way, warning that illegal extensions and buildings over public infrastructure not only violate urban planning laws but also endanger lives and property during heavy rainfall.
Part of Broader Flood Management Strategy
The exercise forms part of a broader statewide flood resilience agenda that includes the restoration and maintenance of drainage channels, enforcement of building regulations, and investment in long-term water management systems.
In recent months, similar demolition exercises have been carried out along the Ikota River corridor in Lekki, where buildings erected on the river’s right-of-way were identified as key contributors to flash flooding in the Lekki–Ajah area.
According to the Lagos State Government, the ongoing interventions are critical to sustaining the efficiency of its drainage system. Between 2023 and 2025, the state has reportedly maintained 579 kilometres of secondary collectors across 693 sites, cleared 444 kilometres of drains, and restored 40.3 kilometres of encroached channels. Contracts have also been awarded for 218 new channels, expected to add roughly 1,500 kilometres to the drainage network upon completion.
Long-Term Urban Resilience Plan
Beyond short-term clearing, Lagos is advancing a long-term flood resilience plan that will link natural and engineered water systems. Key initiatives include the Lekki Blue-Green Network, designed to connect estate lakes, canals, and green corridors to store and gradually release excess water.
The plan also outlines the installation of flap gates and pilot pumps at tide-sensitive outfalls to manage coastal backflow, as well as the introduction of pumped drainage cells in low-lying areas over the next eight years.
In addition, the state government has indicated that updates to the Lagos building code will soon mandate on-site water retention features in new developments, a move intended to reduce stormwater runoff and ease pressure on public drainage systems.
Outlook
The Lagos State Government’s intensified enforcement around flood-prone corridors marks a shift toward proactive urban management. As extreme weather events become more frequent, ensuring adherence to environmental and planning laws will be central to sustaining the city’s long-term resilience and safeguarding residents against avoidable losses.
