The Lagos state government has issued a directive for residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas immediately. This decision comes after a fresh seven-day flood warning was issued, raising concerns about rising water levels across parts of the state. The warning was triggered by an advisory from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), which covers Lagos and 14 other states.
Communities considered particularly vulnerable to flooding include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri Sea Port, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, and Jetty Terminal B. Other areas on high alert are Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, and parts of Agboyi, especially communities downstream of Isheri Olofin.
Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for the environment and water resources, emphasized that residents should not wait for floodwaters to rise before relocating. He stressed that early relocation could prevent loss of life and property. Wahab urged Lagosians, particularly those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, to take the warning seriously and move to higher ground.
The government has advised residents in affected communities to move to higher ground and stay there until the immediate threat associated with the peak rainy period has subsided. Lagos typically experiences another period of increased rainfall from September, with high water levels and tidal conditions capable of worsening flooding in coastal and low-lying communities.
Residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels, and other waterways have been urged to remain vigilant and follow official safety warnings. Wahab called for particular caution among communities along the Ogun River, citing heavy upstream rainfall and changes in connected river systems that could affect downstream areas of Lagos.
According to the NiHSA advisory cited by the state government, rising river levels could affect homes and critical infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms, and places of worship. Local governments, emergency agencies, and community leaders have been asked to activate early-warning measures and assist residents where evacuation or temporary relocation becomes necessary.
The government will continue to monitor rainfall and river levels in collaboration with federal agencies while maintaining drainage infrastructure across the state. Residents have also been warned against dumping refuse in drains and canals or attempting to walk or drive through flooded roads and fast-moving water. Protecting lives and property remains the government’s priority, and residents are urged to regard official flood warnings as safety information requiring prompt action.
Key points
- The Lagos state government has ordered residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas amid a seven-day flood warning.
- The warning was triggered by an advisory from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), which covers Lagos and 14 other states.
- Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and follow official safety warnings, with protecting lives and property being the government’s priority.
