The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents in flood-prone communities, urging them to move to safer areas in light of a 7-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA). The alert, which covers 19 to 25 September, includes Lagos and 14 other states. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement on his X account on Monday.
Mr Wahab identified several areas in Lagos that require vigilance, including Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront, and Jetty Terminal B. He also listed communities along the Ogun River and other waterways, such as Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi, and settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin. Residents in these areas are advised to take the warning seriously and act before floodwaters rise.
The government is monitoring rainfall and river levels while working with relevant agencies to strengthen flood prevention and response measures. Mr Wahab urged residents to keep drains and waterways clear of refuse and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. He also advised residents to rely on official flood forecasts and advisories rather than unverified information.
The warning comes as Lagos continues to deal with flooding in several communities during periods of heavy rainfall. In its 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, NiHSA identified Lagos among states at risk of flooding, with intense rainfall, flash floods, and coastal flooding posing potential threats to vulnerable communities.
In July, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited flood-affected communities in Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area, including Ogombo, Monastery Road-Sangotedo, Gbetu, and Iwerekun. Residents who met the governor and other government officials appealed for immediate relief and lasting solutions to recurring flooding, which they said had damaged homes and businesses and disrupted movement.
Mr Wahab attributed some flooding incidents to heavy rainfall, high tidal levels, and limitations in drainage infrastructure. He said earlier interventions in Ajiran and Agungi had improved stormwater discharge after blocked drainage channels were cleared and natural waterways restored. However, he acknowledged that some communities, including Ajiran, continued to experience persistent flooding.
Flooding in Lagos has also been associated with rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage infrastructure, development on wetlands, and the dumping of refuse in waterways. The state government has repeatedly warned residents against disposing of waste in drainage channels, which can obstruct the flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has urged residents in flood-prone communities to move to safer ground following a 7-day flood alert issued by NiHSA.
- The alert covers 19 to 25 September and includes Lagos and 14 other states.
- Residents are advised to keep drains and waterways clear of refuse and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.
