‘Lagos Is Sinking’ – Dep Gov Hamzat Raises Alarm Over Impending Submersion

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has expressed concern over an impending submersion due to climate change.

The Lagos number two citizen who spoke during a Strategic Management Meeting with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and stakeholders organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice said just like New York City in the United States, Lagos is posed to the danger of sinking if proper actions are not taken.

Stressing the urgent threat of submersion facing the state, Hamzat called on all individuals to take proactive steps to avert potential natural disasters, referencing instances in the United Kingdom and New York City, where residents are already moving to safer locations due to climate-related issues.

The Deputy Governor highlighted that Lagos, with a coastline extending 180 kilometres, is encircled by water.

“Today, Lagos and New York City are sinking,” he stated.

The Deputy Governor highlighted three critical threats to the state: extreme heat, climate change, and rising sea levels. He stressed the state’s need to realign its priorities over the next 20 to 25 years to determine which regions require preservation.

In his introductory comments, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, clarified that the aim of the stakeholders’ meeting was to minimize government litigation in the courts, thereby alleviating the burden on the justice delivery system caused by unnecessary cases.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State government has urged residents in flood-affected areas to move to higher ground following the recent water release from the Oyan Dam, adhering to its previous advisory.

The areas impacted include Isheri, Riverview Estate, Oshorun Estate, OPIC Estate, Arepo, Mawere, Akute, Alagbole, Orimerunmu, and Magboro.

Naija News reports that the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, made this statement in light of the flooding caused by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority’s release of excess water from the Oyan Dam.

He noted that the release of this water was necessary to prevent potential damage that could result in severe consequences.

Oresanya reassured residents that the floodwaters would begin to recede significantly starting Friday, October 25, through the designated waterways, watercourses, and canals that have been dredged for this purpose.