Group Calls for Public Awareness on Flood Control and Climate Action
Atume Terfa
The Lagos State Government has been urged to intensify public enlightenment and take decisive steps toward tackling the recurring floods that continue to devastate the Lekki axis and other flood-prone parts of the state.
The call was made by the Lekki Chapter of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, which expressed deep concern over the persistent flooding that destroys homes, stalls businesses, and disrupts daily life in one of Lagos’ fastest-growing urban districts.
In a statement signed by the Chapter President, Mr. Erauyi Agbon-Ifo, the group lamented that the annual floods have become a recurring nightmare for residents who lose valuables worth millions of naira to the deluge each year.
Agbon-Ifo described the situation as both “painful and preventable,” calling on the government to move beyond short-term palliative measures and embrace sustainable, long-lasting solutions that address the root causes of flooding in the area.
“Flooding in Lekki has become a yearly disaster, not just an inconvenience. Residents deserve more proactive measures — better drainage, routine maintenance, and consistent environmental education,” he said.
The group emphasised the need for continuous public sensitisation on proper waste disposal, especially in densely populated areas where drains are often blocked by refuse. It urged residents to stop dumping waste in waterways, stressing that human activity remains one of the biggest contributors to urban flooding.
Agbon-Ifo noted that government agencies must step up community education and enforcement, ensuring that environmental laws are respected while encouraging residents to take ownership of their surroundings.
The NBM also advocated the creation of a compensation and insurance framework to support households and small businesses affected by recurring floods.
“Many residents in Lekki and Ajah have lost property and business assets repeatedly, with no form of compensation or recovery support. A social protection mechanism should be in place for taxpayers who suffer such losses,” Agbon-Ifo added.
The group called on the Lagos State Government to expand stormwater channels, upgrade drainage systems, and conduct regular clearing of gutters and canals to allow for free water flow, especially during the rainy season.
It also urged greater collaboration between government agencies, private organisations, and community groups in developing long-term flood control strategies that align with global climate adaptation measures.
The NBM cited Rivers State as an example of effective flood management, noting that despite facing similar coastal challenges, the state has shown commitment to drainage maintenance and public enlightenment.
A Call for Climate Action
Highlighting the broader implications of the crisis, Agbon-Ifo warned that rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns are signs that climate adaptation should be a key priority in Lagos’ urban planning.
“Lagos is a coastal city with growing environmental risks. If we keep treating flooding as an isolated problem, we’ll continue to experience loss of property, livelihoods, and even lives. The time for urgent, coordinated action is now,” he stressed.
The Lekki Chapter of the Neo-Black Movement reaffirmed its readiness to partner with environmental agencies and civil society groups in promoting sustained enlightenment campaigns that encourage responsible waste management, environmental protection, and community resilience.
