Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger collaboration and investment in flood-resilient measures to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure as Lagos continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change.
Sanwo-Olu made the call during the 2025 World Habitat Day celebration held on Monday, in Ikeja, the state capital.
The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
According to a statement by the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mukaila Sanusi, this year's theme, "Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus," highlights the urgency of addressing flooding challenges in Lagos, a coastal megacity prone to heavy rainfall and rising sea levels.
The governor noted that flooding had become a persistent urban challenge requiring proactive, long-term planning, sustainable investment, and active community engagement.
He said urban resilience remained a key pillar of the State's development framework, the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda, with the Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO) driving policies and projects to reduce flood risks.
Sanwo-Olu urged private investors, development partners, and innovators to join hands with the government in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Lagos.
He cited the partnership with the Dangote Group on mangrove restoration in coastal areas as an example of effective collaboration.
"Investing in flood-resilient housing, smart drainage systems, renewable energy, and urban-risk insurance will safeguard communities while creating new avenues for growth," he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to making Lagos both livable and sustainable for future generations.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, described World Habitat Day as a time for reflection on the state of human settlements and renewed commitment to sustainable urban development.
He said flooding in Lagos was not a theoretical issue but a lived reality that required proactive governance, strict enforcement of planning regulations, and the integration of climate adaptation principles into urban design.
Olumide added that physical planning in Lagos had gone beyond permits and approvals to include community resilience, sustainable construction practices, and inclusive development.
THE WHISTLER reports that flooding remains a recurring challenge in Lagos. Recently, heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding in the Lekki area, crippling economic activities.
Videos circulating on social media showed cars submerged in water, while some motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles as roads became impassable.
The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration featured expert lectures, exhibitions, and youth debates showcasing innovative solutions in housing, flood management, and environmental sustainability.