Lagos Reaffirms Crackdown on Single-Use Plastics, Ramp-Up on Flood Control Projects
Moves to Safeguard Drainage Infrastructure and Urban Environment
As Lagos continues to battle urban flooding and environmental degradation, the State Government has reiterated its full commitment to enforcing the ban on single-use plastics, vowing to sustain advocacy and regulatory actions to protect infrastructure and the ecosystem.
Speaking after an on-the-spot inspection of key flood-control projects across the state, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the ongoing campaign against indiscriminate plastic use is tied directly to the state’s broader environmental protection and infrastructure strategy.
“The response has been encouraging due to our 18-month-long advocacy drive. But enforcement is key. We will not back down,” Wahab said during the weekend inspection tour of Odo-Iyalaro System 1, a major drainage corridor behind Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
Single-Use Plastics: A Drainage Time Bomb
Wahab noted that Lagos’ biggest challenge with flood mitigation is the plastic waste clogging major drainages, canals, and flood channels—especially single-use sachets, bottles, and packaging that block water flow and damage infrastructure.
“Residents need to understand that dumping plastic indiscriminately is not only illegal—it’s costing lives, destroying roads, and overwhelming our drainage systems,” Wahab stressed.
The state’s stance aligns with global environmental trends. Countries and cities worldwide are enforcing plastic bans and restrictions to limit ocean pollution, protect marine biodiversity, and curb the microplastic crisis.
Spotlight on Infrastructure: Odo-Iyalaro System and Ogudu Channels
The inspection tour covered Odo-Iyalaro System 1 and Ogudu, two major components of Lagos’ integrated flood resilience program. The projects are aimed at improving water discharge, reducing flood risks, and restoring water flow across densely populated corridors.
Wahab confirmed that the Odo-Iyalaro channel is about 46% complete, with 25 meters of Tripasoda drainage structure already constructed to discharge water beneath the new bridge infrastructure.
“Four months ago, this site was untouched. Today, we have visible progress. We’re focused on ensuring delivery within the 24-month project window,” he said.
At Ogudu, sheet pile installation—a preparatory phase for heavy drainage construction—is set to commence. Wahab emphasized that adequate logistics are in place to mobilize contractors this week.
Land Encroachment and Drainage Right of Way (RoW) Under Threat
During the visit to Adisa Channel in Alapere, the commissioner disclosed that unauthorized construction on drainage alignments had been reported. Wahab said his team received a whistleblower alert and immediately visited the location.
“Some individuals are building illegally on critical flood channels. They will be served stop-work notices immediately. This is a non-negotiable part of our urban planning and disaster prevention strategy,” he said.
He also warned residents converting canal areas into makeshift dumpsites, stating that such acts would attract sanctions.
24-Month Timeline, But Public Cooperation Critical
While the drainage projects are designed for completion within 24 months, Wahab stressed that their success depends heavily on citizen compliance, corporate responsibility, and community collaboration.
“We appeal to Lagosians to respect Right of Way laws, desist from dumping waste indiscriminately, and support the state’s environmental management goals. Without public cooperation, even the best infrastructure can fail,” he warned.
BRANDECONOMY Insight: Climate Resilience Begins with Plastic Policy
Lagos, a coastal megacity with over 20 million residents, sits at the frontlines of climate vulnerability—from rising seas to increasingly erratic rainfall. The ban on single-use plastics is more than a waste policy—it’s a climate resilience strategy.
The state’s aggressive pursuit of drainage rehabilitation, encroachment enforcement, and waste control reflects a growing realization: without strong environmental governance, the urban economy will suffer from annual disruptions, property damage, and public health crises.
Going forward, success will depend on:
- Strict enforcement of plastic bans
- Investment in recycling infrastructure
- Community waste education
- Public-private partnerships for environmental protection
