IKORODU, August 4, 2025 — Residents and traders in the Olowoidikan Market area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, have called on the state government to urgently commence dredging of the nearby canal, following heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding and submerged several shops early Monday morning.
The affected area, a densely populated commercial hub, was thrown into chaos as rainwater overflowed the canal’s banks, spilling into the market and surrounding streets. Eyewitnesses reported that the flooding began at dawn and intensified rapidly, with dozens of traders arriving to find their stalls under water and goods destroyed or floating away.
Local residents blamed the recurring flood problem on years of neglect and poor maintenance of drainage channels. According to traders, the canal—which runs parallel to the market—has become heavily silted, clogged with refuse and debris that obstruct water flow during rainstorms.
“This is not the first time. Every time it rains heavily, we suffer losses. We have appealed several times to the authorities, but nothing has been done,” lamented Mrs. Adijat Lawal, a trader in the market who lost large quantities of food items.
Community leaders, including representatives of the market association and youth groups, have sent an urgent appeal to the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, demanding swift intervention to prevent future damage and health risks posed by stagnant floodwaters.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and local council officials were reportedly alerted but had yet to respond formally as of press time. Meanwhile, residents have begun self-help efforts to clear some parts of the canal, though many say lasting relief depends on comprehensive dredging by the state.
The incident adds to growing concerns about Lagos State’s preparedness for the peak of the rainy season, especially in flood-prone areas such as Ikorodu, Ajegunle, and Agege. Urban planners and environmental experts have repeatedly warned that inadequate drainage infrastructure and uncontrolled urban waste disposal continue to endanger lives and livelihoods across the state.
Residents are now anxiously awaiting a government response, as many fear that further rainfall without intervention could escalate the situation in the coming days.
