The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to move to safer, higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
The government said the directive was aimed at preventing avoidable loss of lives and property as rising water levels and increased rainfall could trigger flooding in vulnerable parts of the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
According to the state government, the latest NiHSA advisory covers Lagos and 14 other states, with several communities in Lagos identified as vulnerable to flooding.
Among the locations listed are parts of Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
Wahab said the state government was taking the federal flood warning seriously and had stepped up monitoring in the identified areas, as well as other riverine, low-lying and flood-prone communities across Lagos.
He urged residents not to wait until floodwaters begin to rise before taking precautionary measures, stressing that early preparation and temporary relocation could help avert 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,” Wahab said.
The commissioner advised residents in vulnerable communities to relocate to higher ground and remain in safer locations until the peak of the resurgent rainy season had passed.
He particularly warned communities situated along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise increased caution, noting that heavy rainfall and rising water levels in interconnected river systems could have downstream effects on communities in Lagos.
Wahab 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 between September 19 and 25.
He also urged residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to monitor official flood forecasts and be prepared to relocate temporarily if flooding becomes imminent.
8,000 Communities, 4,500 Schools at Risk
The warning followed NiHSA’s latest National Flood Advisory, which identified more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states as being at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25.
The agency warned that rising river levels could result in flooding in vulnerable communities and affect critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
The states identified as being at heightened risk include Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
Against this backdrop, Wahab called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents in vulnerable areas to activate their early-warning and emergency response mechanisms.
He urged residents and relevant authorities to move people, livestock and valuable possessions to safer locations where necessary.
The commissioner said the Lagos State Government would continue to monitor river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.
He added that the state would sustain the cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across Lagos as part of efforts to reduce the impact of flooding.
Wahab also appealed to residents to support the government’s flood mitigation efforts by avoiding the dumping of refuse in drains, canals and waterways.
According to him, blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and slow down the recession of floodwaters.
The commissioner further cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, urging those in vulnerable locations 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, urging residents to treat flood forecasts as critical safety information and take precautionary measures promptly.
Wahab assured Lagos residents that the government would continue to monitor developments and deploy measures aimed at reducing flood risks while providing updates as the situation evolves.
