Lagos State has secured support from the World Bank to strengthen its disaster risk management and emergency response ahead of the rainy season, as the city contends with chronic flooding that disrupts lives and infrastructure.

The collaboration, discussed in a meeting on Wednesday in Lagos, aims to improve early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and public awareness.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, remarked that the partnership will focus on enhancing drainage systems and ensuring faster response during heavy rainfall.

“We welcome both technical and investment support that will position Lagos as a model for disaster risk management in Nigeria,” the executive said in a statement.

Lagos, bordered by about 486 kilometres of the Atlantic Ocean and with roughly a quarter of its landmass covered by water, is highly exposed to flash flooding. “We did not create this geography, but we must manage it responsibly,” Wahab added.

Early warning signals are issued annually, and updated advisories will be shared later this month following forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, he said.

These advisories will be communicated to residents and agencies, including LASEMA and the State Command and Control Centre.