The Lagos State Government has issued a warning about the rising threat of flooding, calling for robust flood defenses and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
In a statement released on X.com on Thursday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the urgent need to address the impacts of global warming.
“The whispers are gone. Climate change is here, and the water is at our doors,” Wahab stated, pointing to the global nature of the crisis. “From Mumbai to Miami, from Dubai to Dublin, from Argentina to Australia, Toronto to Texas, cities around the world are facing a new reality – a reality of ferocious flash floods and towering tsunamis.”
Wahab stated the clear scientific evidence that the planet is warming, leading to erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels. This, he noted, results in heavier rainfall, more powerful storms, and an increased threat to coastal communities. He referenced recent distressing images of neighborhoods submerged and people struggling against powerful currents, bringing the issue closer to home for Lagos residents.
“The science is clear. Our planet is warming, causing erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels. This translates to heavier rainfall, more powerful storms, and a growing threat to coastal communities. We’ve seen it recently, haven’t we?! The heart-wrenching images of entire neighborhoods underwater, the desperate struggle for survival against the unforgiving current,” Wahab said.
Emphasizing that Lagos is particularly vulnerable due to its coastal location, Wahab stressed the urgency of the situation. “Closer to home, here in Lagos, we stand at a crossroads. We are a vibrant city, a center of commerce and culture. But we are also vulnerable. The rising sea level threatens our very foundation.”
The commissioner called for immediate action to protect the state’s infrastructure, homes, and people. He urged residents to maintain clean environments and avoid activities that could block water flow, stressing that global warming is a real and pressing issue requiring collective action.
“Now is the time to act. We need robust flood defenses, and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices. We must protect our infrastructure, our homes, and most importantly, our people. Global warming is real,”
