A public affairs commentator, Hon. Chief Nnenna Lilian Obiukwu (JP), has called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations at the household and community levels, saying Lagos can significantly reduce the devastating impact of flooding if residents take greater responsibility for drainage maintenance and environmental sanitation.
Obiukwu made the call in a rejoinder to the Realnews Magazine feature, “When the Rains Won’t Stop: Lagos and Rising Cost of Flooding,” written by Augustine Idiagbon and published on July 29, 2026.
The original article examined how persistent and increasingly intense rainfall has continued to expose Lagos to recurring floods, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of businesses and rising public health concerns.
It highlighted government investments in drainage infrastructure, emergency response efforts and the need for stronger collaboration between authorities and residents.
Building on those concerns, Obiukwu argued that while government intervention remains essential, sustainable flood control must begin at the grassroots through compulsory environmental compliance.
According to her, one of the most effective measures would be to make frontage drainage mandatory for every residential and commercial property.
She proposed that government should require landlords to construct functional drainage systems in front of their buildings before such properties are occupied by tenants.
According to her, such a policy would reduce stormwater runoff on streets and lessen the pressure on major drainage channels during heavy rainfall.
Obiukwu also advocated greener neighbourhoods as part of flood mitigation strategies.
She urged authorities to compel property owners to plant trees and ornamental vegetation around their premises, noting that green spaces improve water infiltration, strengthen the urban ecosystem and contribute to reducing flood risks.
She further recommended that drains and gutters should be properly covered to discourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which frequently blocks drainage channels and worsens flooding across the state.
Beyond infrastructure, Obiukwu stressed that environmental laws must be enforced without compromise.
She called for a zero-tolerance approach to environmental sanitation violations, urging the deployment of committed sanitation inspectors to ensure compliance in residential areas, markets and commercial districts.
According to her, Lagos already has adequate environmental regulations, but weak enforcement has continued to undermine their effectiveness.
She maintained that behavioural change among residents would remain slow unless violations attract consistent sanctions.
Obiukwu agreed with the position highlighted in the Realnews article that government alone cannot solve the flooding challenge.
She, however, argued that if every household maintains its drainage, embraces urban greening and complies with sanitation regulations, while authorities enforce existing laws, Lagos would become more resilient to increasingly frequent extreme rainfall.
Climate experts have repeatedly warned that rising temperatures are contributing to more frequent and intense rainfall events across many coastal cities, including Lagos.
The state’s rapid urbanisation, widespread paving of natural surfaces, blocked drainage systems and development on flood-prone areas have further increased its vulnerability.
Over the years, the Lagos State Government has expanded drainage construction, intensified desilting exercises, removed illegal structures obstructing waterways and strengthened public awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal.
Emergency agencies have also continued to issue flood advisories during peak rainfall periods, urging residents in low-lying communities to remain vigilant and avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels.
As Lagos continues to grapple with the realities of climate change and rapid population growth, Obiukwu’s recommendations reinforce a growing consensus among environmental stakeholders that infrastructure investment must be complemented by stronger community participation, environmental responsibility and effective enforcement of existing laws.
Her central message is that while the rains may be inevitable, the scale of flood-related losses can be substantially reduced through collective action and sustained environmental discipline.
F.O
Tags: Chief Lilian Obiukwu (J.P) Enforcement
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