Flooding: Ogun Seeks Residents’ Collaboration To Prevent Illegal Structures

Following the flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall between August 4 and August 6, the Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Ola Oresanya, has expressed concern over public apathy, warning that civic inaction worsens the situation.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, Mr Oresanya noted that the intensity of recent rainfall has exceeded seasonal averages, reaching nearly 400mm.

He stated that although flooding was expected during peak rainfall, water should typically drain within 24 to 48 hours — provided the drainage channels were not obstructed.

He, however, lamented that the unwillingness of citizens to alert authorities or report drainage blockages contributes significantly to the challenges faced during emergencies.

“People should not fold their arms. People believe the government business is not my business until they are the problem,” he said.

Oresanya called for improved collaboration between state and local governments, stressing the need for stronger enforcement, visible consequences for environmental violations, and a more engaged citizenry. He encouraged communities to report any signs of blocked drains, illegal structures on waterways, or other activities that may aggravate flooding.

He also advocated for increased communication between government and community-based organisations, urging citizens to demand accountability from public institutions and to prevent illegal structures.

Emphasising the need for joint effort, he said, “What I think we can do, which has been working now in Ogun state, is effective collaboration with the community-based organisations at a strict level. There must be an exchange of information, so people just need to make a video, send it to a platform, and the government would respond.”

While outlining the structural plans already being implemented in Ogun State, Oresanya said the government was strengthening approval processes for new buildings, ensuring compliance with environmental safety standards.

He also emphasised the importance of constructing homes above road level to allow natural drainage and prevent flooding.

The Commissioner warned that while natural factors might contribute to flooding, poor civic responsibility and weak institutional synergy were at the core of Nigeria’s worsening environmental crises.