World Bank Supports Lagos Flood Management Initiatives

The World Bank is backing Lagos State's initiatives to tackle chronic flooding, which disrupts lives and infrastructure. During a meeting on Wednesday, Lagos officials, including Tokunbo Wahab, discussed strengthening disaster risk management and emergency response ahead of the rainy season.

The partnership will focus on enhancing the drainage system and ensuring faster responses during heavy rainfall. Lagos, which borders the Atlantic Ocean and is highly exposed to flash floods, has experienced severe flooding in August and September 2022, displacing thousands and disrupting roads.

The state plans to intensify year-round cleaning and dredging of drainage channels and enforce regulations to prevent construction in floodplains. Additionally, Lagos generates approximately 13,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily and is working to shift towards a more sustainable waste management model.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency will issue an annual update on rainfall forecasts, which will be communicated to residents through agencies, including LASEMA.