The Lagos State Government on Monday rewarded operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) and operatives of Drainage Enforcement and Compliance for their contribution to a sustainable flood-free Lagos, while encouraging them to be more committed in the new year.
Speaking at the end-of-year party and Award ceremony held at Alausa, the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi Akodu said the state government would continue to provide the necessary facilities and support required for better service delivery.
According to him, “The reward for hard work is more work. I would like to let you know that those who did not receive awards this year are also truly appreciated by the government, and I encourage you to put in more effort next year”.
He said the team has been doing a good job in cleaning up secondary drains and manholes in the 52 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas across the state all year round.
Lagos, as a state surrounded by water, experiences flooding issues, and coupled with global warming, residents become agitated whenever it rains.
The Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) has been responsible for ensuring that flash flood is abated promptly and the drainage systems are free to accommodate stormwater, adding that the team has brought relief to flooding issues all over Lagos.
The Special Adviser mentioned that the administration can not overlook the importance of the EFAG team hence the annual recognition and appreciation of outstanding drainage operatives.
Akodu stated that according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Lagos was predicted to experience a slightly higher amount of rainfall compared to previous years, adding that with the sustained efforts of the EFAG team, minimal flooding incidents were recorded in the state in 2025 despite the amount of rainfall experienced.
“We were prepared before the rains came, and this made us overcome the challenge; we will continue to improve the measures we put in place this year so that flooding issues can be a thing of the past in Lagos”, he said.
The Special Adviser maintained that the State will ramp up its advocacy and enlightenment campaign in order to educate residents about proper waste disposal in the state, saying that Lagos is surrounded by water and indiscriminate waste disposal must be discouraged.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite said the state government usually fetes and presents awards to the team in various categories in the form of cash rewards at the end of the year to motivate them and to show appreciation for the good job.
He added that the present administration is determined and will continue to give the necessary support needed for them to keep up with the good work at all times so that a flood-free Lagos will be sustained across the metropolis.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji expressed appreciation to the team for their endless efforts in achieving a flood-free Lagos, saying even though Lagos is a coastal state, the state does not experience flooding issues compared to some states.
He urged the team not to rest on their oars but continue to be committed to drainage maintenance to sustain a flood-free, cleaner, healthier and safer environment in Lagos for all.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards and cash prizes in various categories including to Best Zonal Operatives, Best Overall Supervisor, Best Drivers (Quarterly), Best Operators (Quarterly), Best Driver Mate (Quarterly), Best Operator Mate (Quarterly), Best Zonal Drainage Attendants, Best Zones (Quarterly) and the Permanent Secretary Best Performing Award.