Lagos state is at a crossroads and faces an increasing threat from flooding and rising sea levels, so the government has issued an urgent call to action to address the growing threat of flooding. The call calls for strong flood defenses and a shared commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab stressed the importance of strong flood defenses and a shared commitment to sustainable environmental practices in a statement posted on X.com on Thursday.
He wrote, “The whispers are gone. Climate change is here, and the water is at our doors. From Mumbai to Miami, from Dubai to Dublin, from Argentina to Australia, Toronto to Texas, cities around the world are facing a new reality – a reality of ferocious flash floods and towering tsunamis.”
Wahab emphasized the unequivocal scientific proof that global warming is bringing to unpredictable weather patterns, increasing sea levels, and more rainfall, stronger storms, and an increasing danger to coastal people.
He said the issue has become more personal in light of the latest photos showing entire neighborhoods submerged and people fighting ferociously against merciless currents to survive.
He said, “The science is clear. Our planet is warming, causing erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels. This translates to heavier rainfall, more powerful storms, and a growing threat to coastal communities. We’ve seen it recently, haven’t we?! The heart-wrenching images of entire neighbourhoods underwater, the desperate struggle for survival against the unforgiving current.
“Closer to home, here in Lagos, we stand at a crossroad. We are a vibrant city, a center of commerce and culture. But we are also vulnerable. The rising sea level threatens our very foundation.”
In order to safeguard the state’s homes, businesses, and citizens, the commissioner called for swift action, stressing that global warming is a genuine threat that calls for coordinated response.
He said, “Now is the time to act. We need robust flood defenses, and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices. We must protect our infrastructure, our homes, and most importantly, our people.
“Global warming is real. Ensure you keep your environment clean at all times and do not engage in any activity that can hinder the free flow of water.”
