Sanwo-Olu Urges Collective Action for Flood-Resilient Lagos
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged stronger partnerships among government agencies, private investors, and development partners to tackle flooding and strengthen Lagos’ resilience to climate change.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at the World Habitat Day 2025 celebration held at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said the theme “Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus” captures the realities of Lagos as a coastal megacity.
He said flooding had become a recurring urban challenge that required long-term planning, sustainable investment, and active community participation to address effectively.
“Investing in flood-resilient housing, smart drainage systems, renewable energy, and urban-risk insurance will safeguard communities while creating new avenues for growth,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu explained that flood control and climate adaptation form a major pillar of his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda, with the Lagos State Resilience Office coordinating strategies to reduce risks across the city.
He encouraged private and corporate actors to support state-led initiatives, especially in mangrove restoration and coastal protection projects such as those pioneered through the partnership with the Dangote Group.
“Our goal is to make Lagos not only liveable but sustainable for future generations,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the annual World Habitat Day offers governments and citizens a platform to reflect on the state of human settlements and renew their commitment to sustainable urban planning.
Olumide noted that flooding in Lagos was not a theoretical issue but a daily reality, demanding stricter enforcement of physical planning laws and integration of climate-resilient principles into urban design.
“Physical planning is beyond permits and approvals,” he said. “It involves building community resilience, promoting sustainable construction practices, and ensuring inclusive development.”
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritising infrastructure renewal, flood control, and affordable housing delivery across the state.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Oluwole Sotire, appreciated partners, youth participants, and stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to deepening cross-sector collaboration to build a more sustainable and flood-resilient Lagos.
