The Lagos State Government has issued a directive to residents in flood-prone communities, asking them to temporarily relocate to higher ground. This decision was made in response to a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, which warns of rising river levels that could cause flooding in vulnerable communities. The alert covers Lagos and 14 other states.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Lagos. He listed vulnerable areas in Lagos as Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, and Jetty Terminal B, among others. According to the alert, flooding could affect schools, healthcare centers, markets, farms, and places of worship in vulnerable communities.
Wahab urged residents in affected communities not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking action. He emphasized that the safest decision is to move early, adding that no property is worth risking a life. The commissioner said the state government had intensified monitoring across riverine, low-lying, and other flood-prone communities.
The commissioner advised residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels, and other water bodies to remain vigilant. He also urged them to comply with official safety advisories and prepare for possible temporary relocation. Wahab urged communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution.
Wahab specifically mentioned Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, and parts of Agboyi as areas requiring heightened alert. He said residents in those areas and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin should remain on high alert from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25.
The commissioner also advised residents in coastal and waterfront communities to monitor official flood forecasts and prepare for temporary relocation when flooding became imminent. He called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders, and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms.
Wahab said the state government would continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns, and other hydrological developments with relevant federal agencies. He added that routine cleaning, maintenance, and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across the state would continue, and urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals, and waterways.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has directed residents in flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground due to a fresh seven-day flood alert.
- The alert covers Lagos and 14 other states, warning of rising river levels that could cause flooding in vulnerable communities.
- The commissioner urged residents to move to higher ground and remain there until the peak of the resurgent rainy season had passed.
