EXPOS ED: The Hidden Business Behind Lagos Floods — Commissioner Reveals Why the Waters Keep Rising

 By Lekki People Magazine

Every rainy season, Lagos residents brace for the same nightmare—submerged roads, flooded homes, gridlocked traffic and billions of naira in economic losses. While climate change and heavy rainfall are often blamed, the Lagos State Government says another culprit is quietly making the crisis worse: illegal dredging and uncontrolled land reclamation.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, has issued one of the strongest warnings yet, declaring that illegal dredging is accelerating environmental degradation and increasing flood risks across the state.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the Commissioner described the state's waterways as a delicate ecosystem that must be protected through strict regulation, coordinated planning and uncompromising enforcement.

According to him, indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, combined with illegal dredging and poorly executed reclamation projects, has significantly reduced the natural ability of Lagos to absorb and channel stormwater, leaving many communities increasingly vulnerable to flooding.

No Shortcuts, No Permits

In a revelation that underscores the government's tougher stance, Alebiosu disclosed that since assuming office, not a single new dredging permit has been approved by his administration.

Alebiosu disclosed that since assuming office, not a single new dredging permit has been approved by his administration.

He explained that every operator must first obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), drainage clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and an approved physical layout before any application can be considered.

"We have deliberately withheld permits until every regulatory requirement is fully satisfied because safeguarding lives, property and the environment must always take precedence over commercial interests," the Commissioner said.

Communities Asked to Blow the Whistle

Recognising that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem, Alebiosu appealed to residents—especially those living in waterfront communities—to report illegal dredging and unauthorised land reclamation activities.

He stressed that protecting Lagos' coastline requires a partnership between government agencies, private developers and citizens.

Third Mainland Bridge Allegation Addressed

The Commissioner also responded to allegations of illegal dredging around the Third Mainland Bridge corridor, dismissing the reports as inaccurate.

According to him, the company involved obtained all required approvals from both the Federal and Lagos State Governments, while the sand used for reclamation was transported from authorised dredging sites located several kilometres away—not dredged beneath or around the bridge.

Protecting Lagos Before It's Too Late

As Lagos continues its rapid expansion along its coastline, balancing economic development with environmental sustainability has become one of the state's greatest challenges.

The government insists that legitimate development will continue, but only under strict regulatory oversight designed to protect lives, preserve coastal ecosystems and reduce flood risks.

For millions of Lagos residents, the message is clear: the fight against flooding will not be won by bigger drainage channels alone. It will also depend on ending illegal dredging, stopping reckless land reclamation and protecting the waterways that sustain Africa's largest city.

LEKKI FLOOD: LASG Targets Illegal Structures Blocking Drainages in Agungi, Ajiran & Ikota

 

The Lagos State Government has launched a major enforcement operation in Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota, ordering the immediate removal of illegal structures blocking drainage channels blamed for recurring floods across the Lekki corridor.

Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the crackdown after inspecting key drainage projects in the affected communities.

Wahab announced that all illegal structures built on reclaimed drainage alignments would be demolished

Officials discovered that a land-owning family had blocked the Ajiran drainage outfall into the Lagos Lagoon, preventing stormwater from draining out of the area. Wahab directed that the obstruction be removed immediately, insisting that no land title or Certificate of Occupancy gives anyone the right to block public drainage infrastructure.

He said the government would continue clearing every illegal obstruction to protect lives and safeguard billions of naira invested in flood-control projects.

The inspection also uncovered serious violations at Megamond Estate in Ikota, where developers allegedly reclaimed part of the Ikota River and commenced construction without the required environmental and drainage approvals. Despite earlier enforcement notices, the developments continued.

Wahab announced that all illegal structures built on reclaimed drainage alignments would be demolished, warning that the state would no longer tolerate encroachment on waterways or drainage corridors.

He reminded developers that wetland and reclamation projects must obtain Environmental Impact Assessments and other statutory approvals before construction begins, stressing that Lagos will not recognise approvals sought after illegal development has taken place.

The Commissioner also appealed to residents to report environmental violations, revealing that whistleblower reports led to the discovery of the illegal activities. He reaffirmed the government's resolve to enforce environmental laws and strengthen flood-control infrastructure across the state.

Parallex Bank Gifts Team Lagos Young Champions ₦1m Each

Ten of Team Lagos' brightest young athletes have received a major reward for their outstanding performances at the 2025 National Youth Games, as Parallex Bank presented each of them with ₦1 million after Lagos emerged overall champions for the first time in the history of the competition.

The cash rewards were presented at a ceremony held at the bank's Lagos headquarters, where athletes, parents, officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and Parallex Bank executives gathered to celebrate the historic achievement.

The beneficiaries are gymnast Stephanie Onusiriuka; swimmers Dumuje Aidan, Ibidapo Tofunmi, Hafsat Kazeem, Mariam Mohammed, Megbodofo Teminijesu and Timilehin Olaiya; cyclist Ashiru Ibrahim; hard-of-hearing athlete Fabowale Akorede; and tennis player Emmanuel Bright. Their medal-winning performances powered Lagos to its maiden National Youth Games title.

Presenting the awards, Parallex Bank Managing Director and CEO, Olufemi Bakre, described the gesture as an investment in the future of Nigeria's next generation of sporting stars.

"We are celebrating excellence, hard work and determination. This is more than a reward; it is an investment in the future of these young champions and a reminder that excellence will always be recognised," Bakre said.

Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, praised the partnership as a shining example of how the private sector can support youth development through sports. He noted that Lagos' historic victory reflected the state's deliberate investment in grassroots sports and talent development under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs. Timilehin Olaiya thanked Parallex Bank and the Lagos State Sports Commission, saying the recognition has inspired the young athletes to aim even higher.

The initiative underscores the growing collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing future sporting champions and strengthening Lagos' reputation as Nigeria's leading hub for youth sports development.