Climate change strikes close to home: Lagos Govt warns of looming floods

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents of impending floods from torrential rains, urging a collective effort to mitigate it.

According to the government, the situation demands both robust flood defences and a collective commitment to eco-friendly practices.

As the threat of rising sea levels and flooding intensifies, the state faces a critical moment.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, issued a statement on Thursday via his X account.

Wahab emphasized the importance of robust flood defences and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices in addressing the state’s pressing flooding issue.

He wrote: “The whispers are gone. Climate change is here, and the water is at our doorsteps.

“From Mumbai to Miami, from Dubai to Dublin, from Argentina to Australia, Toronto to Texas, cities around the world are facing a new reality—a reality of ferocious flash floods and towering tsunamis.”

Wahab pointed to irrefutable scientific data showing that global warming is driving extreme weather fluctuations, including intensified rainfall, stronger storms, and escalating sea levels.

This, he said, poses a significant and escalating threat to coastal regions and communities, as manifested in heavier precipitation and more destructive storms.

He noted that the recent images of entire neighbourhoods underwater and desperate struggles for survival against unforgiving currents have brought the issue closer to home.

He said:“The science is clear. Our planet is warming, causing erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels.

“This translates to heavier rainfall, more powerful storms, and a growing threat to coastal communities.

“We have seen it recently, haven’t we?! The heart-wrenching images of entire neighbourhoods underwater, the desperate struggle for survival against the unforgiving current.

“Closer to home, here in Lagos, we stand at a crossroads. We are a vibrant city, a centre of commerce and culture. But we are also vulnerable. The rising sea level threatens our very foundation.”

The commissioner sounded a dire warning, calling for swift and decisive action to safeguard the state’s infrastructure, residences, and citizens.

“Now is the time to act. We need robust flood defences and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices. We must protect our infrastructure, our homes, and, most importantly, our people.

“Global warming is real. Ensure you keep your environment clean at all times and do not engage in any activity that can hinder the free flow of water,” Wahab said.