The Lagos State Government has directed residents of flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground, following a fresh flood alert from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr Kunle Adeshina, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Wahab said the seven-day alert covers Lagos and 14 other states, warning that rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable communities. According to the alert, schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship could be affected.
He listed the vulnerable areas in Lagos as Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B, among others.
The commissioner urged residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before acting. “When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” he said.
He said the state government had stepped up monitoring across riverine, low-lying and other flood-prone communities, and advised residents to stay on higher ground until the peak of the resurgent rainy season passes.
Wahab noted that Lagos usually experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, with heavier rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences. He advised residents living near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain vigilant, follow official safety advisories and prepare for possible temporary relocation.
Communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways were urged to exercise heightened caution, as upstream rainfall and rising water levels could affect those downstream.
Wahab specifically named Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi as areas requiring heightened alert. Residents there, and in other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin, should remain on high alert from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25, he said.
Residents of coastal and waterfront communities were also advised to monitor official flood forecasts and be ready to relocate once flooding becomes imminent.
The commissioner called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms. He urged residents to move people, livestock and valuables to safer locations where necessary.
He said the state government would keep monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments with relevant federal agencies, while routine cleaning and maintenance of drainage infrastructure would continue across the state.
Wahab appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in drains, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and endanger communities. He also cautioned against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.
He assured residents that the government would continue to deploy measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates as the situation evolved, and urged them to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official flood advisories.
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