Kunle Remi Blames Poor Sanitation for Lagos Flooding, Sparks Debate

Popular Nollywood actor, Kunle Remi, has sparked controversy online after blaming what he described as Nigerians’ poor sanitation habits for the recurring flooding experienced in parts of Lagos State.

In a video shared on his Instagram story on Monday, the actor expressed frustration over the heavy rainfall that left several Lagos communities flooded, saying indiscriminate waste disposal has contributed to blocked drainage systems.

“Let us call a spade a spade. We are a dirty people. Nigerians are dirty people and that’s why there is flood everywhere,” Remi said.

The actor noted that the flooding situation has spread beyond areas traditionally associated with flooding, mentioning communities such as Gbagada and Ilupeju.

He also narrated the experience of a friend who was reportedly trapped in Agungi due to the flood, questioning the safety of residents affected by the situation.

Remi urged Nigerians to change their attitudes toward waste disposal, stressing that keeping the environment clean is important in preventing blocked waterways and reducing flood risks.

His comments generated mixed reactions online.

Some social media users agreed that poor sanitation practices contribute to the flooding problem, while others argued that the issue is more complex and involves factors such as inadequate drainage infrastructure, poor urban planning and waste management failures.

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One user wrote that many parts of Lagos are dirty and that indiscriminate dumping of waste has worsened the situation.

Another user argued that while public behaviour plays a role, government intervention and better drainage systems are also necessary to address the recurring floods.

What causes flooding in Lagos?

Flooding in Lagos is caused by a combination of heavy rainfall, blocked drainage systems, poor waste disposal, inadequate drainage infrastructure, rapid urbanisation and weak urban planning. Actor Kunle Remi recently reignited the debate by attributing the flooding largely to poor sanitation practices.

However, some critics rejected the actor’s view, questioning whether poor sanitation alone could explain the scale of flooding without considering infrastructure challenges.

The debate comes as several Lagos communities continue to experience flooding following days of heavy rainfall, with residents reporting damage to property and disruptions to daily activities.