The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has pushed back against criticism over flooding in the state, accusing some individuals of turning the issue into politics.
Speaking during an inspection of flood-prone areas including Oniru, Chevron Drive, and Orange Island, Wahab said government interventions on drainage channels and wetlands have helped ease the impact of heavy rainfall across Lagos.
His remarks followed recent flash floods that affected parts of the state and sparked public criticism over flood control efforts.
Wahab pointed to recent drainage clearance around Chevron Drive, saying it had already improved water flow in nearby communities.
He said: “Some days back, when we came to that Chevron Drive by Gravitas, we all saw the level of encroachments carried out by some Omo-onile, all in the guise of taking possession.”
He accused some land grabbers of attempting to block officials from reopening drainage paths, but noted that government intervention had helped restore the channels.
On criticism trailing the floods, Wahab said: “Yes, they are politicising it, but that is what they want to do this season.”
He maintained that over the last three years, the state had taken steps such as banning Styrofoam, removing illegal structures on floodplains, and improving drainage infrastructure to tackle flooding.
The commissioner also warned against illegal land reclamation in areas serving as major water discharge points, stressing that such actions worsen flooding.
He added that the government would continue prosecuting those caught dumping waste indiscriminately while increasing waste management capacity with additional compactors to improve refuse collection across the state.
