Residents of Ikota and the Lekki axis have sent a Save-Our-Souls (SOS) appeal to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging urgent enforcement of planning laws in the area to curb recurring flooding.

They described Tuesday’s downpour as yet another nightmare that left homes and roads completely submerged.

According to the residents, the floods submerged streets, destroyed businesses, and forced families to scramble to salvage what little they could.

“This is no way to live,” a distraught resident lamented. “Every rainfall is a disaster. We are losing everything while the government watches.”

The residents blamed the flooding on man-made causes, particularly illegal structures built on canals and drainage channels — notably System 156 and 157 drainage channels. They accused developers of blocking waterways and the state government of failing to enforce its own planning regulations.

“Until the government restores this area according to the original master plan, the flooding will not stop,” another homeowner said while standing in knee-deep water.

Urban planners confirm that Lagos’ master plan prohibits construction on waterways, but enforcement has been weak and sometimes selective. Many residents believe that powerful developers are shielded from sanctions, leaving ordinary Lagosians to bear the brunt of the consequences.

Beyond property damage, the flooding has displaced families, destroyed livelihoods, and posed serious health risks as stagnant water increases the potential for disease outbreaks.

Environmental advocates warn that Lagos is heading toward a major disaster unless canals are urgently cleared and illegal encroachments removed.
“Every illegal structure is a ticking time bomb for nearby communities once the rains return,” an activist cautioned.