Floods Displaced 3,000, Affected 57,000 In Lagos
By Erewunmi Peace
An official disclosure from the Lagos State Government has highlighted the devastating scale of flooding in the state this year, confirming that over 57,000 residents were impacted between January and October 2025. The state also reported that more than 3,000 people were displaced from their homes.
The figures were released by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, during the 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Ikeja, which was themed: “Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus.”
The 2025 Impact
The data provides a clear picture of the severity of the crisis, which continues to challenge Nigeria’s economic nerve center:
Total Residents Impacted: Over 57,000
Residents Displaced: More than 3,000
Period Covered: January to October 2025
The Governor emphasized the chronic nature of the problem, noting, “As an aquatic state, flooding is a major challenge confronting Lagos. It is an environmental menace capable of widespread destruction.” He acknowledged that the floods led to destroyed homes and disrupted livelihoods across the state.
Government Response and Future Plans
During the address, the state government outlined ongoing efforts to mitigate the annual flood disaster, focusing on a long-term strategy built on resilient infrastructure and urban planning.
These interventions include:
Sustainable Land Use: Implementing planning that considers environmental vulnerabilities.
Infrastructure Upgrade: Enhancing early warning systems and improving urban drainage capacity.
Green Initiatives: The creation of more green spaces and investment in nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration.
Partnerships: Urging private sector partners and investors to support flood-resilient projects, citing collaborations with groups like the Dangote Group.
The government stressed that continued investment and collaboration with federal agencies and humanitarian groups are crucial for enhancing the state’s capacity to cope with the environmental and humanitarian fallout of recurring floods.
