The Federal Government has intensified efforts to protect Lagos from worsening flood disasters, unveiling a renewed partnership with the Lagos State Government to strengthen flood resilience, accelerate water sector reforms and improve sanitation across the state.

The commitment was made on Thursday when the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of recent flooding incidents in Lagos and fresh warnings by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), which listed Lagos among the 33 states facing a high flood risk in its 2026 Annual Flood Outlook.

Speaking during the visit, Utsev said the growing threat posed by climate change, rapid urbanisation, rising sea levels and intense rainfall makes stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and Lagos State imperative.

He disclosed that both governments had identified three priority areas for immediate action—strengthening flood resilience, accelerating the state’s drive towards Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, and advancing sustainable urban water sector reforms to improve service delivery and attract investment.

The minister commiserated with the Lagos State Government over the recent flooding incidents and assured the state of the Federal Government’s support in deploying integrated water resources management, improved drainage systems, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and stronger institutional coordination to reduce flood risks.

He also revealed that the Federal Government has introduced new technologies, including the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System, to improve flood prediction, early response and coordination among governments and communities.

Utsev further disclosed that Lagos has indicated interest in joining the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, describing it as a major opportunity to strengthen governance, improve water and sanitation services and access performance-based financing.

On sanitation, the minister urged the state to intensify efforts toward eliminating open defecation, particularly in underserved communities, while revealing that the ministry had completed the first draft of the National Water Compact aimed at driving comprehensive reforms, mobilising investments and strengthening policy coordination in the water sector.

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention and acknowledged that climate change continues to increase flooding and environmental pressures in Lagos.

He stressed that sustained collaboration between both tiers of government remains essential to implementing practical and long-term solutions capable of protecting lives, infrastructure and economic activities.

The governor also disclosed that Lagos has already developed a comprehensive strategy to attain Open Defecation Free status and pledged closer collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to improve sanitation, hygiene services, flood management and sustainable water resources development.

The ministry in a statement said the meeting ended with both governments reaffirming their commitment to building a cleaner, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos through stronger investment in water infrastructure, sanitation and flood management initiatives.