By Our Reporter
The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to relocate immediately to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
The alert, designated NFA-2026-2022, covers Lagos and 14 other states and warns of rising river levels and possible flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the state government was treating the advisory with utmost seriousness and had intensified monitoring across identified vulnerable locations, as well as other riverine, coastal, low-lying and flood-prone communities.
Areas identified as vulnerable include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island Local Government Area, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri around the seaport, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
Wahab urged residents in affected communities not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking precautionary measures, stressing that early preparation and temporary relocation could prevent loss of lives and property.
“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 noted that Lagos typically experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, characterised by increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences that could worsen flooding in vulnerable areas.
He therefore advised residents living near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain vigilant and comply with safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies.
Wahab specifically called on communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution, noting that rainfall intensity upstream and rising water levels in interconnected river systems could affect downstream communities in Lagos.
He listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin among areas that should remain on high alert during the period covered by the warning.
According to the NiHSA advisory, rising river levels could result in flooding across vulnerable communities and affect critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
The commissioner called on affected local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms and ensure that people, livestock and valuable possessions are moved to safer locations where necessary.
He said the state government would continue to monitor river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.
Wahab added that routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across the state would be sustained as part of efforts to mitigate flooding.
He also appealed to residents to support the government’s flood mitigation efforts by refraining from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.
The commissioner cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, urging those in vulnerable areas to make arrangements for temporary relocation whenever official warnings indicate an imminent threat.
He stressed that the protection of lives and property remained the government’s foremost priority and urged Lagos residents to treat flood forecasts as critical safety information requiring prompt action.
Wahab assured residents that the state government would continue to deploy necessary measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates as the situation evolves, while urging Lagosians to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official advisories.
