Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo state governments have intensified flood prevention measures as the 2026 rainy season reaches its peak. Officials from the states, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), highlighted ongoing efforts including dredging of waterways, drain construction, desilting, enforcement, and community sensitization.
Ekiti State Actions
In Ekiti, Chairman of the State Environmental Protection Agency (EKSEPA), Bamidele Oguntoyinbo, stated that dredging and desilting of waterways are underway in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. He added that the government has also commenced dredging of rivers and streams in several flood-prone areas.
Osun State Measures
Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation in Osun, Mayowa Adejoorin, said the government has embarked on continuous dredging of waterways and drainage channels as part of its flood control strategy.
Ondo State Progress
The Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Erosion Control and Flood Matters, Elisha Ebijimi, noted that the state's flood prevention plan is 80 percent complete, with additional focus on public enlightenment. He confirmed that work is already ongoing in major flood-prone areas.
Experts Call for Wetland Protection in Lagos
Meanwhile, environmental experts and conservation advocates have called for stricter protection of wetlands and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations to address persistent flooding in Lagos State. They spoke in separate interviews in Lagos, attributing worsening flooding to unchecked wetland encroachment and poor urban planning.
Role of Wetlands
Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative, Philip Jakpor, described construction on wetlands as a major contributor to flooding. He explained that wetlands act as natural buffers that absorb excess rainwater and reduce flood impacts.
Call for Collaboration
Environmentalist Michael Simire, Executive Director of EnviroNews Advocacy & Campaigns for Sustainability (Endvocas), called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and stakeholders involved in wetland management. He noted that wetlands in Lagos have experienced significant spatial changes due to rapid urbanization over the past three decades, including unplanned reclamation, sand-filling of lagoon shores, excessive dredging, encroachment on natural drainage channels, and widespread deforestation.
Simire urged the government and stakeholders to intensify public awareness on the ecological and economic value of wetlands through educational programs and campaigns. He also advocated integrating wetlands into urban planning, landscape development, and water management systems.
Conservation and Development
Dr. Stella Egbe, Biodiversity Pillar Lead at the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), said environmental conservation and sustainable development can coexist through proper planning.
Government Response
Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Adekunle Adeshina, said the ministry has intensified monitoring and compliance activities to curb illegal encroachment on wetlands. He stated that developers involved in unauthorized reclamation and construction on wetlands receive statutory notices and are given 48 hours to desist.
