The Lagos State Government has moved another heavy machine into the fight against flooding, deploying a new swamp buggy to two communities of Ogombo Canal and Awoyaya communities that bore the brunt of recent heavy downpours in Eti-Osa LGA, and Iponri in Surulere Local Government area of the state.
Our correspondent in Lagos reported that the government has also moved machines to Gbetu/Iwerekun at the back of Mayfair Garden in Ajah area of the state.
The equipment will reinforce ongoing desilting and channelisation works aimed at widening and deepening drainage networks to allow storm water to flow freely and recede faster.
The government promised to move machines to all the local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
According to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the intervention is part of a broader flood management strategy designed to deliver immediate relief while building long-term resilience in flood-prone areas.
Officials who spoke on the issue said that the deployment was deliberate and data-driven.
“We are not waiting for disaster to happen. Once we saw the pattern of rainfall and the pressure points, we moved in with equipment. Ogombo Canal is a major outfall, so clearing it has a multiplier effect on adjoining communities,” a senior official stated.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting lives and property. It noted that other communities impacted by the recent flooding have also been earmarked for similar intervention in the coming weeks.
The government also called on Local Government Areas and LCDAs to pull their weight.
“Primary and secondary drains are the responsibility of the state. But tertiary drains within streets and estates fall to the councils. We need them to intensify desilting now so we don’t lose the gains we are making,” the Ministry said.
For residents who have battled yearly flooding, the arrival of the swamp buggy was met with relief; and praise for the people behind it.
They specifically commended the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Permanent Secretary (Drainage), Mr Olakunle Adegbite, and the Director of Drainage Maintenance, Engr. Jolaoso Sunbo for what they described as “proactive leadership.”
Mr. Tajudeen Ayanwale, a resident of Awoyaya, said that the Commissioner’s work is visible.
“I will personally commend Mr. Tokunbo Wahab. He is doing a good job. He is perhaps one of the best commissioners in the state and he is working in unity with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. You can see what he has done this rainy season. He rose to the occasion. History will not forget him for the work he is doing to develop the state,” Ayanwale said.
He added that unlike in the past when government response came late, this time the machines arrived while the rain was still on.
Mrs. Ada Chukwuemeka from Iponri echoed the sentiment, saying the Ministry has restored confidence.
“The Ministry of the Environment has risen to the occasion. Lagos is truly becoming a centre of excellence again. It has not been easy with the volume of rain, but they have proven they are up to the task. I appeal to Lagosians to cooperate with the government. Stop dumping refuse in the drainage systems across Lagos state. If we do our part, very soon we will have the Lagos of our dream,” she said.
Another resident, who gave his name simply as Tunde, a trader at Ogombo, noted the economic impact.
“Last year, water entered my shop and I lost goods worth over N400,000. This year, because they came early to clear the canal, the water passed quickly. Government should keep this tempo. Don’t wait until people cry before you act,” he said.
A community youth leader in Awoyaya, Comrade Femi Adebayo, also weighed in: “We have complained for years that Ogombo Canal was silting up. To see a swamp buggy here now tells us someone is listening. We will help by sensitizing our people not to block drainage systems with sand and waste.”
While commending the state, residents were unanimous on one demand: sustain it.
“We appreciate what the government is doing now. Our prayer is that this should not be a one-off thing. Continuous clearing will save us from the pains of flooding every year.
“Let them come even in dry season. That’s when the real work is done. If we wait till rain falls, it will always be emergency,” said Mrs. Yetunde Balogun of Iponri.
Environmental experts have long argued that Lagos’ flooding problem is 40% rainfall and 60% human behavior — indiscriminate dumping, building on drainage alignments, and poor maintenance of tertiary drains.
The Ministry acknowledged this, saying public enlightenment and enforcement will be stepped up alongside the engineering works.
Officials disclosed that similar swamp buggy deployments are planned for other critical outfalls across the 5 IBILE divisions before the peak of the rainy season. The goal, they said, is to increase drainage capacity by at least 30% in vulnerable corridors.
For now, the focus remains on keeping channels free, educating residents, and ensuring councils do their part.
As Adegbite noted during a recent inspection: “Government can provide the machines and the manpower, but every Lagosian must become a drainage officer in their own street.”
With the new swamp buggy now grinding through Ogombo Canal, the message from Awoyaya to Iponri is clear: the state is present, but the partnership must be total
If maintenance is sustained and residents stop blocking drains, Lagos may finally turn the corner on its perennial flooding challenge.
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
We Are Already Campaigning With Performance – Wike
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday declared that the commencement of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections would not distract this administration from delivering ongoing infrastructure projects, insisting that the government's greatest campaign strategy remains its performance. "We are already campaigning with our performance. The major campaign is to provide the dividends of democracy. What are you going to tell the people when you have nothing to show? Our campaign is showing what we have done," Wike said while inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja. The minister stressed that governance and politics would not conflict under his watch, maintaining that the visible transformation across the FCT had already become the strongest campaign message for President Bola Tinubu's administration. "All we have to do is go back to the people and tell them we made […]
COAS, GENERAL SHAIBU APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF GOCs FOR THE 12 NEWLY ESTABLISHED NIGERIAN ARMY DIVISIONS
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approves the appointments of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for the newly 12 established Nigerian Army Divisions, following the approval by president Bola Tinubu. The landmark development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army's force structure. Under the new structure, 1 Division Kaduna will be responsible for security in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States, while 2 Division Ibadan will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States. The 3 Division Jos will oversee Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States. The newly established 5 Division, with Headquarters in Makurdi, will assume responsibility for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States, while 6 Division Port Harcourt will cover Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. 7 Division Maiduguri will be responsible for Borno and Yobe states while 8 Division Sokoto will retain responsibility for […]
INEC Declares Full Readiness for Osun Governorship Election
- Extends PVC Collection The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and peaceful Osun State Governorship Election on August 15, 2026, assuring stakeholders that all critical preparations have been concluded. Speaking at the Osun State Governorship Election Stakeholders' Forum in Osogbo, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, said the Commission had completed its logistical, technological and operational arrangements and was fully prepared to deliver an election that reflects the will of the people. To encourage greater voter participation, Prof. Amupitan announced the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise to Friday, July 31, 2026, after revealing that 322,822 newly registered voters, representing 62 per cent, had collected their PVCs. He also announced that a mock accreditation exercise would hold on Saturday, August 1, across 12 selected […]
Lagos Flood Control: Govt Deploys Swamp Buggy To communities As Rain Persists
The Lagos State Government has moved another heavy machine into the fight against flooding, deploying a new swamp buggy to two communities of Ogombo Canal and Awoyaya communities that bore the brunt of recent heavy downpours in Eti-Osa LGA, and Iponri in Surulere Local Government area of the state. Our correspondent in Lagos reported that the government has also moved machines to Gbetu/Iwerekun at the back of Mayfair Garden in Ajah area of the state. The equipment will reinforce ongoing desilting and channelisation works aimed at widening and deepening drainage networks to allow storm water to flow freely and recede faster. The government promised to move machines to all the local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state. According to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the intervention is part of a broader flood management […]
Killing and Abduction: President Tinubu Strongly Condemn Attack In Kauru Local Government Area Of Kaduna State
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent barbaric and cowardly attack on innocent citizens in Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack on innocent citizens in the early hours of Monday led to the killings of about 30 residents, including women and children and the burning down of their houses. Describing the assault as a provoked act of terror against defenceless people. The President stressed that those who seek to destabilise the hard-fought peace and security, which Kaduna State has enjoyed in recent times, will not go unpunished. President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to Governor Uba Sani, the Government, and the entire good people of Kaduna State. He reassures the state government and affected communities that the Federal Government stands firmly with them […]
We Are stabilizing The Nation – President Tinubu Tells Catholic Bishops
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, assured that the ongoing restructuring of security operations and institutions will deliver victory over terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country. Receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House, President Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s security architecture is being repositioned for greater efficiency. Most Rev. Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, attended the meeting with 19 CBCN leaders. Our correspondent reported that President Tinubu stated that the security challenges are being confronted through enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring and repositioning of security institutions, improved logistical support, and prioritisation of frontline personnel welfare. He called on the CBCN and all religious leaders to actively condemn violent attacks, guide their members, and support government efforts to end insurgency. “We don’t have another country […]
Related
We Are Already Campaigning With Performance – Wike
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday declared that the commencement of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections would not distract this administration from delivering ongoing infrastructure projects, insisting that the government's greatest campaign strategy remains its performance. "We are already campaigning with our performance. The major campaign is to provide the dividends of democracy. What are you going to tell the people when you have nothing to show? Our campaign is showing what we have done," Wike said while inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja. The minister stressed that governance and politics would not conflict under his watch, maintaining that the visible transformation across the FCT had already become the strongest campaign message for President Bola Tinubu's administration. "All we have to do is go back to the people and tell them we made […]
COAS, GENERAL SHAIBU APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF GOCs FOR THE 12 NEWLY ESTABLISHED NIGERIAN ARMY DIVISIONS
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approves the appointments of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for the newly 12 established Nigerian Army Divisions, following the approval by president Bola Tinubu. The landmark development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army's force structure. Under the new structure, 1 Division Kaduna will be responsible for security in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States, while 2 Division Ibadan will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States. The 3 Division Jos will oversee Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States. The newly established 5 Division, with Headquarters in Makurdi, will assume responsibility for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States, while 6 Division Port Harcourt will cover Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. 7 Division Maiduguri will be responsible for Borno and Yobe states while 8 Division Sokoto will retain responsibility for […]
INEC Declares Full Readiness for Osun Governorship Election
- Extends PVC Collection The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and peaceful Osun State Governorship Election on August 15, 2026, assuring stakeholders that all critical preparations have been concluded. Speaking at the Osun State Governorship Election Stakeholders' Forum in Osogbo, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, said the Commission had completed its logistical, technological and operational arrangements and was fully prepared to deliver an election that reflects the will of the people. To encourage greater voter participation, Prof. Amupitan announced the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise to Friday, July 31, 2026, after revealing that 322,822 newly registered voters, representing 62 per cent, had collected their PVCs. He also announced that a mock accreditation exercise would hold on Saturday, August 1, across 12 selected […]
Killing and Abduction: President Tinubu Strongly Condemn Attack In Kauru Local Government Area Of Kaduna State
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent barbaric and cowardly attack on innocent citizens in Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack on innocent citizens in the early hours of Monday led to the killings of about 30 residents, including women and children and the burning down of their houses. Describing the assault as a provoked act of terror against defenceless people. The President stressed that those who seek to destabilise the hard-fought peace and security, which Kaduna State has enjoyed in recent times, will not go unpunished. President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to Governor Uba Sani, the Government, and the entire good people of Kaduna State. He reassures the state government and affected communities that the Federal Government stands firmly with them […]
We Are stabilizing The Nation – President Tinubu Tells Catholic Bishops
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, assured that the ongoing restructuring of security operations and institutions will deliver victory over terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country. Receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House, President Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s security architecture is being repositioned for greater efficiency. Most Rev. Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, attended the meeting with 19 CBCN leaders. Our correspondent reported that President Tinubu stated that the security challenges are being confronted through enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring and repositioning of security institutions, improved logistical support, and prioritisation of frontline personnel welfare. He called on the CBCN and all religious leaders to actively condemn violent attacks, guide their members, and support government efforts to end insurgency. “We don’t have another country […]
Presidency, Oshiomhole chide Obi for attacking Tinubu
The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, yesterday got a knock from the presidency for his Sunday television interview on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political journey. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga accused Obi of serial political defections and insisted that President Tinubu’s political trajectories bear no resemblance to the NDC candidate’s. Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, dismissed the appearance as a failed attempt to revive the former governor of Anambra State’s 2027 presidential ambition, describing it as a public relations disaster. He said Obi’s comparison of his movement across political parties with Tinubu’s political journey was misleading. Onanuga maintained that the President had remained committed to the progressive political tradition throughout his career. According to Onanuga, Tinubu began his political career in the Social Democratic Party […]
Be the first to leave a comment