The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, NiHSA. The advisory covers September 19 to 25 and includes Lagos and 14 other states.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the government is treating the warning with utmost seriousness and has intensified monitoring across vulnerable areas. Communities identified include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront, and Jetty Terminal B, among others.
Wahab urged residents not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking precautionary measures, stressing that early relocation could help prevent loss of lives and property. He particularly advised residents living around rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other waterways to remain vigilant and follow official safety advisories.
The Commissioner also called for heightened caution in communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways, noting that rainfall and rising water levels upstream could affect downstream areas in Lagos. Residents in Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other communities downstream of Isheri Olofin were specifically urged to remain on high alert.
The state government further advised residents to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters and to make arrangements for temporary relocation whenever flooding becomes imminent. It also urged local governments, emergency agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response measures to protect people, livestock and property.
Wahab said the government would continue monitoring rainfall patterns, river levels and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies, while sustaining the cleaning and maintenance of drainage infrastructure across the state.
The Commissioner also appealed to residents to support flood-mitigation efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains, canals and waterways, noting that blocked drainage channels can worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.
He reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains a priority, urging Lagos residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official flood warnings as the situation develops.
