The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent appeal to address the growing threat of flooding, emphasizing the need for robust flood defenses and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices. The state faces a critical juncture as rising sea levels and flooding become more imminent.

In a statement on X.com on Thursday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stressed the importance of preparing for climate change. He stated, “Climate change is here, and the water is at our doors. Cities worldwide, from Mumbai to Miami, Dubai to Dublin, Argentina to Australia, and Toronto to Texas, are facing a new reality of ferocious flash floods and towering tsunamis.”

Wahab underscored the scientific evidence of global warming, which is causing erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels. This results in heavier rainfall, stronger storms, and increased threats to coastal communities. He noted recent incidents of neighborhoods submerged in water and the desperate struggles against powerful currents.

“We’ve seen it recently,” he said, referring to the heart-wrenching images of flooded neighborhoods. “Here in Lagos, we stand at a crossroads. As a vibrant city and a center of commerce and culture, we are also vulnerable. The rising sea level threatens our very foundation.”

The commissioner called for immediate action to protect the state’s infrastructure, homes, and people, stressing that global warming is a reality that requires collective efforts. “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 avoid any activity that can obstruct the free flow of water.”

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.… pic.twitter.com/xWYUOyjYpJ

— Tokunbo Wahab (@tokunbo_wahab) July 18, 2024