IT is disturbing that a monumental project like the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, renamed the President Bola Tinubu Coastal Highway on Friday, is already being ravaged by flooding and vandalism. The development has understandably raised questions about the project’s bidding process, engineering integrity and Environmental Impact Assessment, among other concerns.The Minister of Works, David Umahi, explained that the highway was elevated to withstand ocean surges and protect the corridor from flooding for 20 to 30 years.He said the culverts along the highway were specifically engineered to collect floodwater from surrounding communities and discharge it into the Atlantic Ocean.Why, then, did flooding occur despite these safeguards? The answer appears to lie in a dangerous combination of regulatory failure, poor environmental management, climate change and the destructive habits of citizens.Umahi blamed blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse dumping, poor environmental practices and climate change. He warned that the Federal Government would begin arresting and prosecuting anyone found obstructing drainage infrastructure.Equally alarming is the vandalism already targeting sections of the coastal highway. Metal railings, reinforced manhole covers, protective barbed wire and see-through steel fencing have reportedly been stolen.This is sadly not new. Soon after the Second Niger Bridge was inaugurated in 2023, vandals began removing its expansion joints and other vital components. Similar attacks have been recorded on bridges and other public infrastructure across the country.The government should therefore establish a specialised security unit dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable that projects worth trillions of naira are left vulnerable to criminals almost immediately after completion.The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, explained that the highway was elevated to withstand ocean surges and protect the corridor from flooding for 20 to 30 years.He said the culverts along the highway were specifically engineered to collect floodwater from surrounding communities and discharge it into the Atlantic Ocean.Why, then, did flooding occur despite these safeguards? The answer appears to lie in a dangerous combination of regulatory failure, poor environmental management, climate change and the destructive habits of citizens.Umahi blamed blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse dumping, poor environmental practices and climate change. He warned that the Federal Government would begin arresting and prosecuting anyone found obstructing drainage infrastructure.Equally alarming is the vandalism already targeting sections of the coastal highway. Metal railings, reinforced manhole covers, protective barbed wire and see-through steel fencing have reportedly been stolen.This is sadly not new. Soon after the Second Niger Bridge was inaugurated in 2023, vandals began removing its expansion joints and other vital components. Similar attacks have been recorded on bridges and other public infrastructure across the country.The government should therefore establish a specialised security unit dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable that projects worth trillions of naira are left vulnerable to criminals almost immediately after completion.The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. He said the culverts along the highway were specifically engineered to collect floodwater from surrounding communities and discharge it into the Atlantic Ocean.Why, then, did flooding occur despite these safeguards? The answer appears to lie in a dangerous combination of regulatory failure, poor environmental management, climate change and the destructive habits of citizens.Umahi blamed blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse dumping, poor environmental practices and climate change. He warned that the Federal Government would begin arresting and prosecuting anyone found obstructing drainage infrastructure.Equally alarming is the vandalism already targeting sections of the coastal highway. Metal railings, reinforced manhole covers, protective barbed wire and see-through steel fencing have reportedly been stolen.This is sadly not new. Soon after the Second Niger Bridge was inaugurated in 2023, vandals began removing its expansion joints and other vital components. Similar attacks have been recorded on bridges and other public infrastructure across the country.The government should therefore establish a specialised security unit dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable that projects worth trillions of naira are left vulnerable to criminals almost immediately after completion.The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Why, then, did flooding occur despite these safeguards? The answer appears to lie in a dangerous combination of regulatory failure, poor environmental management, climate change and the destructive habits of citizens.Umahi blamed blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse dumping, poor environmental practices and climate change. He warned that the Federal Government would begin arresting and prosecuting anyone found obstructing drainage infrastructure.Equally alarming is the vandalism already targeting sections of the coastal highway. Metal railings, reinforced manhole covers, protective barbed wire and see-through steel fencing have reportedly been stolen.This is sadly not new. Soon after the Second Niger Bridge was inaugurated in 2023, vandals began removing its expansion joints and other vital components. Similar attacks have been recorded on bridges and other public infrastructure across the country.The government should therefore establish a specialised security unit dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable that projects worth trillions of naira are left vulnerable to criminals almost immediately after completion.The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Umahi blamed blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse dumping, poor environmental practices and climate change. He warned that the Federal Government would begin arresting and prosecuting anyone found obstructing drainage infrastructure.Equally alarming is the vandalism already targeting sections of the coastal highway. Metal railings, reinforced manhole covers, protective barbed wire and see-through steel fencing have reportedly been stolen.This is sadly not new. Soon after the Second Niger Bridge was inaugurated in 2023, vandals began removing its expansion joints and other vital components. Similar attacks have been recorded on bridges and other public infrastructure across the country.The government should therefore establish a specialised security unit dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable that projects worth trillions of naira are left vulnerable to criminals almost immediately after completion.The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Equally alarming is the vandalism already targeting sections of the coastal highway. Metal railings, reinforced manhole covers, protective barbed wire and see-through steel fencing have reportedly been stolen.This is sadly not new. Soon after the Second Niger Bridge was inaugurated in 2023, vandals began removing its expansion joints and other vital components. Similar attacks have been recorded on bridges and other public infrastructure across the country.The government should therefore establish a specialised security unit dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable that projects worth trillions of naira are left vulnerable to criminals almost immediately after completion.The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. This is sadly not new. Soon after the Second Niger Bridge was inaugurated in 2023, vandals began removing its expansion joints and other vital components. Similar attacks have been recorded on bridges and other public infrastructure across the country.The government should therefore establish a specialised security unit dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable that projects worth trillions of naira are left vulnerable to criminals almost immediately after completion.The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. The government should therefore establish a specialised security unit dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable that projects worth trillions of naira are left vulnerable to criminals almost immediately after completion.The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. The Federal Government should act promptly on the findings submitted by Hitech Construction Company on the recent flooding along the coastal highway.The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. The contractor attributed the flooding to low-lying terrain, inadequate drainage systems, poor estate planning and blocked drains.According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. According to Hitech Managing Director, Danny Abboud, several locations along the corridor are lower than adjoining areas. He explained that many estates in the Lekki axis were developed without adequate land elevation or proper drainage planning, thereby worsening the flooding.These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. These warnings should not have come as a surprise. In its Seasonal Climate Prediction earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast a longer-than-normal rainy season in parts of the country.The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. The Lagos State Government also alerted residents well in advance to expect heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It assured the public that flood control measures had been intensified to manage the predicted rains. Yet, when the floods came, the state still appeared caught unprepared.Related NewsFlooding, waste crisis raise cholera outbreak fears in LagosSahara opens Kaduna, Jigawa recycling hubsLagos residents allege building blocks drainage channelGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu resorted largely to explanations rather than solutions. He described flooding as a natural occurrence in coastal cities worldwide and blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening the situation on the coastal highway.While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. While citizens must certainly stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, the governor should also acknowledge a more uncomfortable reality: Lagos is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a sprawling mega slum.The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. The state government has repeatedly claimed to operate an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme while strengthening solid waste management to ensure effective flood control and environmental hygiene.The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. The reality on the ground confirms that waste disposal companies no longer evacuate refuse regularly in many areas, allowing heaps of garbage to accumulate and eventually clog drainage systems. Lagos urgently requires a modern, efficient and accountable waste management system.Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Flooding is, of course, not unique to Nigeria. Ghana experienced severe flooding last June. But when disaster struck, President John Mahama did not merely offer explanations. He immediately established a seven-member anti-flood task force to spearhead dredging operations and authorised the demolition of buildings obstructing waterways.New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. New Orleans in the United States also faces constant flood threats because much of the city lies below sea level.Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Yet, it has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated flood management systems. More than 100 giant pumps housed in strategically located pumping stations evacuate floodwater into nearby water bodies whenever necessary. Hundreds of miles of levees and floodgates further shield the New Orleans metropolitan area from devastating floods.Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Nigeria must embrace the same proactive mindset. The government should not wait until disasters occur before responding.Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Coastal states, in particular, require comprehensive flood protection measures against rising sea levels and storm surges. It is a tragic waste of scarce public resources to spend trillions of naira on critical infrastructure only to allow it to be vandalised or undermined by preventable flooding.Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Lagos must move beyond the rhetoric of being a megacity. With its growing congestion and overstretched infrastructure, the state should deepen strategic collaboration with neighbouring Ogun State to promote orderly urban expansion and better regional planning.Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Finally, all coastal states should invest in modern flood barriers, upgrade drainage infrastructure, ensure regular clearing of drainage channels, enforce urban planning regulations, expand tree planting and strengthen environmental management.Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence. Only through sustained planning, effective enforcement and responsible civic behaviour can Nigeria protect its critical infrastructure from both nature and human negligence.