The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to work together on flood resilience, sustainable water resources management, urban water sector reforms and sanitation to improve the well-being of residents.
The commitment was made on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina.
Prof. Utsev conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathies over the recent flooding in Lagos.
He noted that Lagos, as one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, faces serious flood risks due to coastal geography, rapid urbanisation, climate change, rising sea levels and intense rainfall.
Citing the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) 2026 by NiHSA, the Minister, in a statement by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director, Information and PR, said Lagos is one of 33 states at high risk of flooding.
He called for proactive planning, early warning systems and stronger intergovernmental collaboration.
He commended Lagos State’s ongoing mitigation measures and pledged FG support through integrated water resources management, improved drainage, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and enhanced institutional coordination.
The Minister also announced two FG initiatives: the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System by NiHSA, designed to strengthen flood forecasting and support early action.
Prof. Utsev identified three key areas for collaboration:
Strengthening flood resilience
Accelerating Open Defecation Free, ODF, status
Advancing sustainable urban water sector reforms to improve service delivery and attract investment
He acknowledged Lagos State’s interest in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, SURWASH, Programme, describing it as a platform for institutional reforms, stronger governance and performance-based financing.
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry has developed the first draft of the National Water Compact, a framework to drive transformative reforms in the water sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
On sanitation, he urged accelerated action towards ODF status, especially in underserved communities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the delegation and appreciated FG’s support.
He underscored Lagos’ strategic economic importance and the increasing impact of climate change on the state.
The Governor said Lagos has already developed a comprehensive strategy for attaining ODF status and expressed readiness to work with the Federal Ministry to strengthen sanitation, hygiene, flood management and sustainable water development.
"The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both governments to building a cleaner, healthier, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos State," the statement said.
Present at the Meeting
DG of NiHSA, Arc. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed; MD/CEO of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru; and other senior officials from the Federal Ministry and Lagos State Government were present.