Sanwo-Olu Cautions Lagosians: Wetland Construction Raises Flood Vulnerability

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has issued a strong warning to residents and property developers in the state, urging them to desist from erecting structures on wetlands and designated drainage channels. According to the governor, such destructive activities significantly heighten Lagos's susceptibility to severe flooding and coastal erosion.

Governor Sanwo-Olu conveyed this message on Saturday during the 20th annual Walk for Nature, an event organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), held at Makanjuola Hall, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. The governor, represented by Dr. Gaji Tajudeen, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, highlighted several initiatives the state is implementing to combat climate change and environmental degradation. The walk, themed “Inspired for Climate Action,” saw participants journey from the LASU campus in Ojo to the Iyana School Bus Stop along the LASU-Isheri Road.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that Lagos’s unique geographical features—its coastal location, low-lying topography, and rapidly expanding population—make the preservation of wetlands crucial for public safety. He stated, “Our wetlands, mangroves and lagoons are our first line of defence against floods and coastal erosion. Where they are filled or built over, water has nowhere to go, and gravity exacts the price.”

In line with its environmental sustainability agenda, the state government has prohibited the use of styrofoam and other single-use plastics, with enforcement activities having commenced in July 2025. The administration is also actively collaborating with innovators to foster the development of sustainable alternatives and is promoting environmental education within schools and local communities.

Regarding wetland protection, the governor revealed that the government had, in September 2025, suspended all reclamation projects impacting wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon fronts where the requisite environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and other necessary approvals were not secured. He reiterated the state's stance: “Our position is simple. Development in Lagos must pass the test of drainage and environmental approval, including the necessary environmental impact assessments and approvals.”

Furthermore, the government is channeling investments into enhancing drainage infrastructure, undertaking mangrove restoration projects, engaging in tree planting initiatives, and establishing new parks to bolster Lagos’s natural resilience against inundation and rising temperatures. Sanwo-Olu appealed to residents to prevent refuse from blocking drains, avoid single-use plastics, and refrain from constructing on wetlands and drainage paths. He also encouraged the youth to practice waste segregation, plant trees, and champion environmental responsibility within their hostels, campuses, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The governor lauded the NCF for its two decades of persistent environmental advocacy, expressing hope that the next twenty years would yield tangible outcomes. “Twenty years of working has built awareness; the next 20 must deliver results,” he remarked.

This warning follows an incident in October where the Magodo Phase II Residents Association appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene and halt what they described as an unauthorised attempt by developers to construct access roads through their estate to reach a protected wetland. The association reported the presence of articulated trucks and heavy-duty equipment near the Shangisha Gate, raising fears of a potential forceful entry.

In her address, Hon. Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, Chairman of the NCF National Executive Council, underscored Lagos’s precarious position at the forefront of Nigeria’s climate vulnerability. She pointed out that rising sea levels, pervasive flooding, extreme heat, and the disappearance of wetlands pose significant threats to communities and livelihoods across the city. Adebiyi stressed that nature conservation is indispensable for the city's survival and should be seen as an integral component of urban development, not a separate concern. She declared, “Our wetlands, our forests, our waterways, our green spaces—they are not luxuries; they are infrastructure that we need to keep Lagos liveable.”

Citing the Lekki Conservation Centre as a prime example of a thriving natural ecosystem preserved within a rapidly urbanising environment, Adebiyi articulated a clear principle: “The lesson is simple: when we protect nature, we protect people. When we destroy nature, we weaken the very system that helps our communities withstand climate shocks.” She called upon governments to embed climate action into all aspects of land-use planning, flood management strategies, urban development initiatives, and environmental governance. Adebiyi concluded with a sobering thought: “The climate crisis is a test of our responsibility, our creativity, our courage and our humanity,” cautioning that present-day decisions would dictate the future for coming generations.

Prof. Ayodeji Badejo, the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, represented by Senior Deputy Bursar Jerry Jinadu, also spoke at the event. He characterised the Walk for Nature as an initiative that successfully blends physical fitness with social interaction and environmental consciousness. “Walk for Nature is more than a physical exercise. It is a movement that promotes fitness, strengthens social relationships, encourages environmental awareness, and reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the natural environment.”