By Osaretin Osadebamwen
The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have pledged to deepen cooperation on flood resilience, sustainable urban water sector reforms, and sanitation initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and infrastructure across the coastal megacity.
The agreement was reached during an official visit by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina.
Extending the Federal Government’s sympathies over recent heavy flooding across the state, Prof. Utsev stressed that intergovernmental synergy is critical to mitigating water management challenges in Africa’s largest urban center.
According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the bilateral discussions focused on three key areas: flood management, attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, and advancing urban water utility reforms.
The Minister attributed recurring seasonal flooding in Lagos to its low-lying coastal geography, rapid urban sprawl, rising sea levels, and climate-induced rainfall spikes.
Referencing the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) 2026 issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), Prof. Utsev noted that Lagos remains among 33 states facing high flood risks, necessitating proactive early warning protocols.
He commended ongoing state-level mitigation efforts while offering technical support to deploy integrated drainage systems, nature-based solutions, and real-time monitoring under the newly launched National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System.
Prof. Utsev also acknowledged Lagos State’s intent to join the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme to unlock performance-based financing for infrastructure expansion.
Additionally, the Minister presented the draft National Water Compact, a national framework designed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to streamline water sector governance and attract private investment.
Responding, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the state’s high economic exposure to climate disruptions and welcomed federal interventions to reinforce local drainage and water sanitation networks.
Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that Lagos has already established a roadmap to eliminate open defecation and stands ready to co-implement resilient water strategies alongside federal agencies and development partners.
The high-level meeting was attended by NiHSA Director-General Arc. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority CEO Engr. Adedeji Ashiru, and top cabinet members from both jurisdictions.
