Jane Salihu
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has called for a coordinated national response to flooding, urging governments, private developers, communities and citizens to prioritise prevention, climate resilience and sustainable urban planning following the recent floods that affected several parts of Lagos State.
The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its Director, Princess Hamman-Obels, expressing solidarity with residents, families and businesses impacted by the flooding, which followed days of heavy rainfall across communities including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ikeja, Lekki, Victoria Island, Mushin, Ikorodu and parts of Lagos Island.
IRIAD said while the heavy rainfall triggered the flooding, the scale of the disaster was worsened by blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal construction on wetlands and drainage corridors, inadequate infrastructure, poor urban planning and the growing effects of climate change.
It noted that the floods submerged homes and businesses, disrupted transportation and economic activities, damaged electricity infrastructure and heightened public health and environmental risks, warning that flooding has become a major governance and development challenge rather than a seasonal occurrence.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, while calling on the Lagos State Government to accelerate drainage rehabilitation, strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations, improve waste management and expand public awareness on flood prevention.
IRIAD also appealed to estate developers to comply with planning regulations and avoid construction on flood-prone areas, while urging citizens to dispose of waste responsibly, keep drainage channels clear and support community sanitation efforts.
It stressed that building resilient communities requires collective action and a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive prevention and preparedness.
