FLOOD ALERT: LAGOS ORDERS VULNERABLE RESIDENTS TO RELOCATE

The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to move to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood warning issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

The warning covers September 19 to 25 and comes amid concerns over rising river levels and renewed rainfall that could affect communities and critical facilities across the state.

In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, the government said the warning followed NiHSA’s latest flood alert, identified as NFA-2026-2022, covering Lagos and 14 other states.

The state government said it had intensified monitoring in vulnerable locations and urged residents not to wait until floodwaters rise before relocating to safer areas.

Among the communities identified as vulnerable are parts of Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri near the seaport, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.

Other areas listed include Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other communities downstream of Isheri Olofin.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state was taking the warning seriously and had increased surveillance across riverine, coastal and other flood-prone communities.

Wahab urged residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas, to relocate early whenever there were signs of an impending flood.

“We are urging Lagosians, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, not to take this warning lightly. When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” he said.

The commissioner advised residents in affected communities to remain on higher ground until the peak of the rainy season had passed, noting that early relocation could help reduce the risk of loss of lives and property.

He explained that Lagos usually experiences another phase of the rainy season from September, when increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences can worsen flooding in vulnerable areas.

Wahab also called for increased vigilance among communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways, warning that rainfall upstream and rising water levels in connected river systems could worsen conditions downstream in Lagos.

According to the state government, the NiHSA warning indicated that rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable communities and disrupt critical facilities such as schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.

The commissioner directed affected local governments, emergency management agencies and community leaders to activate early-warning and response measures.

He also urged residents to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer locations where necessary.

The Lagos Government said it would continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.

The statement added that routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure would continue across the state.

Wahab also blamed blocked drainage channels for contributing to flood risks and appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in drains, canals and waterways.

Residents were further warned against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water. Those living in vulnerable areas were encouraged to make temporary relocation arrangements whenever official warnings indicated an imminent threat.

The commissioner said protecting lives and property remained the government’s foremost priority and urged residents to treat flood forecasts as safety information requiring prompt action.

He assured Lagos residents that the state government would continue implementing measures to reduce flood risks and provide updates as the situation develops.