By Abdullahi Lukman
Researchers have called for immediate, community-led action to tackle the growing flooding crisis in Ajegunle, Lagos State, emphasizing the need for sustainable and inclusive solutions to protect vulnerable coastal neighborhoods.
The call was made during a stakeholder meeting held yesterday between residents of Ajegunle and researchers from the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development at the University of Lagos.
The initiative is part of a larger project by the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), based at the University of Manchester, aimed at addressing urban climate vulnerabilities in informal settlements.
Prof. Peter Elias, Co-Director of the University of Lagos Centre, highlighted that flooding in Lagos’ coastal informal communities is worsening due to climate change, poor urban planning, and inadequate infrastructure.
He noted that Ajegunle is particularly exposed to river flooding caused by its proximity to the Ogun River, Lagos Lagoon, dam releases from Ogun and Cameroon, and storm surges during the rainy season.
The project falls under the Action Research for Climate Resilience (AR4CR) framework and focuses on collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches involving local stakeholders.
Elias emphasized that forming reform coalitions with diverse actors is essential for long-term climate resilience in Ajegunle and surrounding communities.
Temilade Sesan, Lagos City Manager for ACRC, said the initiative aims to gather insights from residents and stakeholders to develop practical strategies against flooding, which continues to result in property loss and, in some cases, fatalities.
Bimbo Oshobe, President of the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, pointed out that flooding in Ajegunle is often triggered not just by rainfall but also by dam releases.
She stressed the significant influence of climate change and called on the government to construct embankments along the coastline to mitigate the recurring flood threats.
The project underscores the importance of local engagement and cross-sector collaboration to enhance urban resilience in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding informal settlements.