Illegal Reclamation and Waste Cause Lagos Flooding Issues

Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, stated that the ongoing flooding in Lagos is primarily caused by bad habits, illegal land reclamation, and unauthorized dredging. During a briefing on Channel Television, he identified these practices as detrimental to the environment and public health.

Bush-Alebiosu criticized the commercial interests driving illegal reclamation and noted that poor waste disposal practices stem from a widespread negative attitude among residents. He highlighted the alarming issue of human waste being dumped into lagoons, warning that this could have severe health implications.

Recent heavy rainfall has exacerbated flooding in various parts of Lagos, disrupting movement and damaging properties, which has led to public outrage against the Lagos State Government. Major roads affected include Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, and others, causing significant disruptions to commercial activities and inundating homes across the metropolis.