Emmanuel OchayiLagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, is facing a growing climate crisis that threatens its economy, infrastructure, and food security. A new report by the Lagos State Ministry of Planning and Budget, The Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU) 2025, warns that climate change could cost the state up to $29 billion if urgent action is not taken. The findings highlight how extreme weather events, poor urban planning, and failing drainage systems are worsening floods, disrupting transportation, and affecting food production.
Experts say the geographical location of Lagos makes it highly vulnerable to climate disasters. As a coastal megacity, Lagos is already dealing with rising sea levels, worsening floods, and unpredictable weather patterns. However, poor urban planning and unregulated development have made the situation worse, leaving critical infrastructure exposed to destruction. Food production is also under threat as changing rainfall patterns reduce agricultural output, making staple foods more expensive.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe question now is: Can Lagos act fast enough to avoid a full-blown crisis? Or will the climate crisis push Africa’s largest city to the brink of economic collapse?
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Flooding is Damaging Roads, Bridges, and the Transport System
One of the most immediate threats of the climate crisis in Lagos is the destruction of roads, bridges, and the entire transport network. Recurrent flooding has made it increasingly difficult for people and goods to move freely across the city, leading to rising transportation costs and slower economic activity.
Dr. Tunde Adetayo, an environmental expert, warns that the situation is already reaching a breaking point. “The roads in Lagos are not built to handle the level of flooding we are seeing today. Every time there is a heavy downpour, roads become impassable, and businesses suffer. The damage to bridges and roads is not only expensive to fix, but it also slows down the economy.”
With key economic hubs such as Apapa, Victoria Island, and Lekki frequently experiencing severe floods, businesses are struggling to keep up with rising costs. The report warns that if nothing is done, flooding will continue to escalate transport costs and further reduce economic efficiency.
Rapid Urbanisation and Poor Drainage Worsen the Climate Crisis
Lagos’s rapid urbanization is making the climate crisis even worse. The city’s population is growing at an alarming rate, but its drainage infrastructure has not kept up. Many drainage channels are clogged with waste, while poorly constructed buildings block natural waterways, forcing floodwaters to spread into residential and commercial areas.
Dr. Kemi Ogundipe, an urban planner, explains, “Lagos was not built to handle this kind of rapid expansion. There is no proper drainage planning, and existing systems are already overwhelmed. This is why even moderate rainfall now causes widespread flooding.”
The lack of drainage solutions means that floodwaters linger for days, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and worsening economic losses. The report stresses that unless the drainage system is upgraded and better urban planning policies are implemented, flooding will continue to destroy infrastructure and disrupt daily life in Lagos.
Food Production and Prices Are Affected by Changing Rainfall Patterns
The climate crisis is also hitting the agricultural sector, leading to food shortages and price increases. Farmers in Lagos and nearby states are struggling with erratic rainfall, longer dry seasons, and worsening floods that destroy crops before they can be harvested.
The LEDU report highlights how climate change is disrupting rainfall patterns, leading to lower agricultural yields and threatening food security. As local food production declines, Lagos has become more dependent on imported food, which further drives up costs for consumers.
According to Dr. Ogundipe, “We are seeing farmers produce less food because they can’t predict the weather anymore. Sometimes they plant too early, and there’s no rain. Other times, unexpected floods wash away their crops. This means food prices will continue to rise, affecting millions of people.”
With a rapidly growing population and an already stretched food supply system, Lagos risks facing severe food shortages if solutions are not put in place to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions.
The Economic Cost of the Climate Crisis in Lagos
The Lagos government’s report estimates that climate-related damages could cost the city between $22 billion and $29 billion. This financial burden could lead to a slowdown in investments, job losses, and increased poverty rates.
Businesses, especially those in manufacturing and trade, are already feeling the effects of rising costs caused by transportation disruptions and supply chain failures. If the climate crisis continues unchecked, Lagos could lose its position as West Africa’s economic powerhouse.
What Needs to Be Done to Address the Climate Crisis?
Experts agree that Lagos must act quickly to prevent further damage. The government must invest in modern drainage systems, enforce stricter urban planning regulations, and develop policies that protect vulnerable communities from flooding. There is also a need for climate-smart agricultural practices to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions.
Dr. Adetayo warns, “If Lagos does not take urgent action now, the cost of fixing this problem in the future will be much higher. We need policies that address both the short-term and long-term effects of climate change.”
As Lagos faces its most serious environmental challenge yet, the choices made today will determine whether the city can survive the crisis or collapse under its weight.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
