The Lagos State Government has begun deploying artificial intelligence-driven systems to detect early warning signs of flooding, as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the rainy season across the state.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday while outlining the government’s flood preparedness strategy, noting that Lagos’ geography makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding.
“We are a coastal state. We share 187 kilometres of our borderline with the Atlantic. 25 per cent of our 3,577 sqkm of land is water,” Wahab said, explaining that areas such as Lekki were previously swamps before being reclaimed for urban development.
To address these challenges, the state has introduced AI-powered and technology-driven monitoring systems to track water levels and oversee waterways across Lagos in real time.
The initiative complements existing flood control measures, including the activities of a dedicated “flood abatement gang” within the ministry, which operates around the clock to clear drainage systems and ensure water flows freely.
According to Wahab, the team plays a critical role in tackling flooding, noting that effective drainage management could resolve up to half of the state’s flood-related challenges.
He stated, “We’ve now set up early warning signs, AI driven, technology driven. So, we now monitor our waterways, monitor the water level statewide. What we did last week Friday was to announce to Lagosians what the rainy season will be like.
“Thankfully also, we have a gang in the ministry. We call them the flood abatement gang. They work 24 hours, every day of the week and we say to ourselves, ‘if they are on it and they succeed, 50% of the drainage challenges, flood issues in Lagos will be resolved.’ Wherever we also find out that people are trying to block our waterways, we never hesitate to remove those contraventions. Painfully, we do them and then we now replace them with either planting the mangrove or preserving the wetland or then we now put the infrastructure required.”
Wahab also addressed environmental concerns linked to indiscriminate waste disposal, reiterating that open burning of refuse is illegal in Lagos. “For those that burn waste, it’s unlawful in Lagos state. We’ve also put across the state, statewide now, air quality monitors,” he said.
Melissa Enoch
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