The Lagos State chapter of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has urged the Lagos State government to take immediate measures to protect lives and livelihoods as floods hit parts of the state following heavy rainfall.

Ayodele Kazeem, the APM Lagos publicity secretary, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Kazeem expressed deep concern over the recurring flood crisis, describing it as unacceptable and preventable.

He said, “The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Lagos State chapter, expresses deep concern over the worsening flood crisis across Lagos State. 

“It is unacceptable that with every rainfall, communities across the state are thrown into fear and uncertainty.” 

He said many residents had continued to suffer heavy losses from the problem, which he described as an annual occurrence. 

“Many hardworking Lagosians have continued to count heavy losses due to a crisis that has become an annual occurrence.

“The persistent flooding is no longer a natural disaster alone; it is a consequence of years of poor urban planning, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and weak environmental enforcement,” he said.

The APM spokesman urged the government to go beyond issuing seasonal flood warnings by implementing lasting flood control measures. 

“As the major opposition voice in Lagos State, the APM calls on the Lagos State Government to move beyond issuing seasonal warnings and commence immediate, visible, and sustainable interventions. 

“Drainage channels must be comprehensively cleared and expanded where necessary. 

“Ongoing drainage and flood control projects must be completed without delay, while proper urban planning regulations must be enforced to prevent further obstruction of waterways,” he said.

Mr Kazeem also appealed to the government to support victims whose homes and businesses had been affected by flooding.

“We also urge the government to provide immediate relief and support to families and business owners whose homes, shops, and properties have been destroyed by the floods.

“The economic hardship facing Nigerians is already severe, and the additional burden imposed by preventable flooding is unbearable,” he said.

He urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and canals to complement government efforts.

“While we hold the government accountable for its primary responsibility, we also appeal to residents to play their part by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and canals.

“Environmental sanitation is a shared responsibility, and protecting our environment requires collective commitment.

“However, it must be stated unequivocally that citizens cannot be blamed for institutional failures,” he added.

Mr Kazeem insisted that the government remained primarily responsible for providing functional drainage infrastructure and effective environmental management.

“The primary duty of providing functional infrastructure, effective drainage systems, and proper environmental management rests squarely with the government,” he said.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to holding government accountable and advocating policies that prioritise residents’ welfare.

Mr Kazeen said the APM stood with every resident affected by this unfortunate situation.

He assured residents that the party would continue to speak truth to power, demand accountability, and advocate policies that place the welfare and safety of the people above politics.

“The time for excuses has passed. Lagos deserves better, and the people must no longer be subjected to avoidable suffering each time the rains come,” he said.

 (NAN)