The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to higher grounds. This directive follows a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) for Lagos and 14 other states. The government listed several vulnerable areas, including Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ajah, Kirikiri, and Ilaje Waterfront.
The NiHSA flood alert, designated NFA-2026-2022, warns of rising river levels and possible flooding across vulnerable communities. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the state government is taking the advisory seriously and has intensified monitoring activities across identified locations. He urged residents in vulnerable areas not to disregard the warning or wait until floodwaters rise before taking action.
According to Wahab, early preparation and temporary relocation to safer areas could prevent avoidable tragedies. He advised residents of flood-prone communities to move to higher grounds and remain there until the peak of the resurgent rainy season had passed. Wahab emphasized that no property is worth risking a life and urged Lagosians to take the warning seriously.
Lagos typically experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, characterized by increased rainfall, rising water levels, and tidal influences that can exacerbate flooding in vulnerable locations. Wahab advised residents living near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels, and other water bodies to remain vigilant and comply with all safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies.
Wahab specifically called on communities situated along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution. He stated that upstream rainfall intensity and water levels in connected river systems could significantly affect downstream conditions in Lagos. Residents of low-lying areas and riverbank communities are urged to remain on high alert during the period September 19 to 25.
According to the NiHSA report, rising river levels could result in flooding across vulnerable communities and impact critical facilities, such as schools, healthcare centers, markets, farms, and places of worship. Wahab called on affected local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders, and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms.
The government has identified several vulnerable areas, including Eti-Osa, Lagos Island Local Government Area, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri (Sea Port), Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, and Jetty Terminal B. Residents of these areas are urged to move to safer locations immediately. The government is working to prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure the safety of residents in the state.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to higher grounds.
- A fresh seven-day flood alert has been issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) for Lagos and 14 other states.
- Residents are urged to take the warning seriously and move to safer locations to prevent avoidable tragedies.
