By Adesewa George
The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have renewed their commitment to strengthen collaboration on flood resilience, water sector reforms and sanitation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, stated this during a courtesy visit to Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
In a statement at the end of the meeting on Thursday in Lagos, Utsev said the partnership was aimed at improving water resources management and sanitation services in the state.
He expressed sympathy to the state over recent flooding incidents, stressing the need for cooperation between both governments to address water and sanitation challenges.
The minister identified flood resilience, acceleration of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and sustainable urban water sector reforms as key areas for collaboration.
He attributed flooding in Lagos to factors including its coastal location, rapid urbanisation, climate change and intense rainfall.
Utsev said the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) listed Lagos among 33 states at high risk of flooding.
He commended the state’s flood mitigation efforts and pledged federal support through improved drainage infrastructure, integrated water resources management and stronger coordination.
The minister said Lagos’ interest in participating in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme would support improved water and sanitation services.
He also urged the state to intensify efforts towards achieving ODF status, especially in underserved communities.
Utsev disclosed that the ministry had developed the first draft of the National Water Compact to drive reforms, attract investment and promote sustainable water management.
He added that the Federal Government had introduced the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System through NiHSA to strengthen flood forecasting and early response.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu appreciated the Federal Government’s support and called for sustained collaboration to address climate change impacts in Lagos.
The governor said the state had developed a strategy to achieve ODF status and was ready to work with the ministry to improve sanitation, hygiene services, flood management and water resources development.
Present at the meeting were the Director-General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Adedeji Ashiru, and other officials from both governments. (NAN)
Edited by Christiana Fadare