LAGOS: Govt apologises over flooding says, ‘it’s nature taking full course’

Speaking today, the Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, extended apologies to Lagosians for the disruptions caused by the natural occurrence yesterday.

The heavy rains led to a standstill in economic activities in Nigeria’s commercial hub, with motorists experiencing gridlock and commuters being left stranded.

Criticism was directed towards the government for perceived inadequacies in managing the floods, particularly given similar incidents in the past.

However, Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner, refuted claims that the floods were a result of governmental shortcomings in planning.

He clarified, “It’s not due to a lack of planning that we witnessed yesterday’s events. No, it was simply nature running its course. We apologize to those whose routines were disrupted – unable to work, go to the market, or attend school.”

According to him, despite the challenges, the Lagos State Government had prepped for the situation and swiftly deployed teams early in the morning to address the floods.

“Emergency teams were on the ground since around 4 a.m. I’ve been up since around 4 a.m. yesterday,” the commissioner said.

Tokunbo Wahab emphasized that the impacts were mitigated within hours, acknowledging that while nature operates on its terms, efforts are made to minimize its effects on the environment, as evident in their actions during the incident.

Yesterday’s rain started early, before individuals throughout the state awoke for the day’s work.

Many others who had braved the rain had left their homes, trying to get to work. However, most of them were stuck at bus stations while attempting to move throughout the city.

The Iyana-Oworo-Olopomeji corridor leading to the Third Mainland Bridge was one of the locations extensively flooded, resulting in traffic that reached to Alapere in the coastal city.

In response, the Lagos State Government stated that it had dispatched teams throughout the metropolis to handle the floods and limit their effects.