The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has expressed sympathy to individuals, families, businesses and communities affected by the recent flooding across Lagos State, calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the underlying causes of recurring flood disasters through improved environmental governance, sustainable urban planning and climate-resilient infrastructure.
According to an official statement signed by Princess Hamman-Obels, Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, the organisation extended its solidarity to residents impacted by the prolonged and intense rainfall that submerged homes and businesses, disrupted transportation, damaged electricity infrastructure and crippled economic activities in several parts of Lagos.
The statement noted that the flooding affected communities including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ikeja, Ajah, Lekki, Victoria Island, Mushin, Mafoluku, Ikorodu, Oshodi, Ikotun, Maryland, Ogudu, Alakija, Agungi, Ajiran and parts of Lagos Island, including Adeniji Adele, Olushi, Evans and Anikantamo.
IRIAD observed that although heavy rainfall triggered the flooding, the scale of destruction was exacerbated by blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, inadequate drainage infrastructure, illegal construction on drainage channels and wetlands, poor urban planning, rapid urbanisation and the growing impacts of climate change.
The organisation stated that the flooding resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of property, disruption of businesses and transportation, electricity outages, and increased health and environmental risks, stressing that the recurring incidents demonstrate that flooding has evolved beyond a seasonal occurrence into a major environmental, governance and development challenge.
IRIAD urged governments at all levels and other stakeholders to adopt proactive strategies aimed at preventing future flood disasters through improved environmental governance, climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthened disaster preparedness and sustainable urban development.
The organisation called on governments to prioritise the rehabilitation of drainage systems, enforce physical planning and environmental regulations, strengthen waste management systems, expand early warning mechanisms and integrate climate adaptation measures into development planning. It also urged estate developers to comply with planning regulations, avoid construction on floodplains and wetlands, and incorporate climate-resilient designs into their projects.
The statement further emphasised that citizens have a critical role to play by disposing of waste responsibly, keeping drainage channels free from obstruction, participating in community sanitation exercises, complying with environmental regulations and adhering to weather advisories issued by relevant authorities.
As part of its call to action, IRIAD urged the Federal Government to implement the recommendations contained in the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), particularly those relating to flood forecasting, early warning systems, river basin management, climate adaptation and support for states to implement preventive measures ahead of disasters.
The organisation also called on the Lagos State Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of drainage infrastructure, strengthen enforcement of planning and environmental laws, improve waste management systems, enhance flood preparedness and intensify public education on environmental sanitation and flood prevention.
It further appealed to estate developers and the private sector to comply with environmental regulations and invest in sustainable infrastructure, while urging traditional rulers and community leaders to mobilise residents for sanitation initiatives, promote environmental compliance and support flood preparedness efforts.
IRIAD equally encouraged citizens to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels and waterways, report environmental violations, participate in community sanitation programmes and comply with weather and safety advisories. It also urged civil society organisations to intensify advocacy, civic education, community mobilisation and accountability initiatives on environmental protection, flood preparedness and climate resilience.
The organisation stressed that the recent flooding highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to shift from reactive disaster response to proactive prevention, preparedness and resilience building. It reaffirmed its commitment to advancing evidence-based research, policy advocacy, civic engagement and sustainable development aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, climate resilience and environmental governance across the country.
