By Abbas Nazil
Lagos State has recorded major improvements in environmental governance, but rising climate risks and rapid urban expansion are placing increasing strain on infrastructure and sustainability efforts across the state.
This message was delivered by Adedapo Ganiu Ajadi, Director of Drainage Construction and Dredging in the Office of Drainage Services, during a professional lecture in Lagos that reviewed the past, present and future of the state’s environment sector.
Ajadi described Lagos as one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities, noting that population growth, coastal exposure and climate change have combined to intensify flooding risks, environmental degradation and pressure on public infrastructure.
He recalled that decades ago, environmental management in the state was largely reactive, with narrow drainage channels, weak regulatory enforcement, limited technical data and low public awareness of sustainability issues.
Waste management relied heavily on manual processes, while urban development often occurred without adequate planning, contributing to repeated flooding and environmental decline.
According to Ajadi, those challenges prompted wide-ranging reforms that have transformed the sector, including the creation and strengthening of agencies such as the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Wastewater Management Office, Parks and Gardens Agency and the Office of Drainage Services.
He said massive investments in drainage construction, rehabilitation, desilting operations, removal of illegal structures and flood control initiatives have improved environmental performance across the state.
Environmental planning is now supported by hydrological studies, geographic information systems and data-driven project prioritisation, alongside improved public engagement and awareness campaigns.
Despite the progress, Ajadi warned that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns and sea-level rise, while continued urbanisation is expanding pressure on land, waterways and infrastructure.
He stressed that future strategies must focus on climate-resilient infrastructure designed to withstand extreme weather events and long-term environmental stress.
Ajadi called for full integration of environmental considerations into urban planning, housing projects, road construction and transport systems.
He also urged greater adoption of technology, including real-time flood monitoring, hydraulic modelling, digital asset management and predictive maintenance tools to improve efficiency and disaster preparedness.
To bridge funding gaps, he advocated stronger public-private partnerships and sustained professional standards within the engineering sector.
Lagos State Public Works Corporation General Manager Tokunbo Ajanaku echoed the concerns, warning that environmental neglect continues to undermine economic growth, food security and social well-being.
He traced Nigeria’s development struggles to weak environmental management and called for improved training, stronger values and future-focused engineering practices.
The lecture also honoured veteran engineer, Babatunde Oshodi, for his decades of service, mentorship and contributions to national development.
