The Lagos State Government has reiterated a serious warning to residents living in flood-prone parts of the city, especially in Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle.
Authorities are urging those in lowland areas to consider moving to higher grounds to avoid being caught in severe flooding anticipated this rainy season.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Those around the Ajilete axis of Lagos, that’s Ajegunle, they have to move. Those around the coastline of Ikorodu; Majidu, have to move. Some areas around the Lekki corridor, too, not all,” he stated. He added that certain areas like Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja are expected to remain safe.
Wahab also sounded the alarm for people living in the OPIC section of Isheri, noting that the entire city, being a coastal environment, is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. According to him, Lagos will witness more intense rainfall this year, as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), surpassing the levels recorded in 2024.
“For those who stay in the lowland of Lagos, they have to move to the upland pending when the rain recedes,” Wahab advised, stressing the need for temporary relocation as a protective measure.
The warning comes in the wake of widespread flooding on Monday that followed an unrelenting downpour which began Sunday night and persisted into the evening of the following day. Several neighborhoods across Lagos were submerged, with viral videos revealing homes and vehicles engulfed by water. Residents were seen cautiously navigating flooded streets, many of which had turned into makeshift rivers due to overflowing drainage systems and clogged canals.
The flooding brought daily activities to a halt, crippling both trade and general economic operations in the bustling city. Despite the grim scenes, Wahab called for calm, assuring the public that the state government has intensified its flood response. He explained that ongoing efforts include the clearing of drainage systems and the widening of natural flood channels to help contain and redirect excess water.
“We won’t tell Lagosians lies. Lagos will be exposed to the vagaries of climate change, and that means Lagos will have flash flooding,” Wahab acknowledged. He maintained, however, that the state is committed to building resilient infrastructure and encouraging citizens to act responsibly. “If nature takes its course, what we can do is to mitigate its impact,” he concluded.
What You Should Know
Lagos State officials are advising residents in vulnerable lowland areas such as Ajegunle, parts of Lekki, and Ikorodu to relocate to higher grounds due to expected heavy rainfall.
The government is actively working on drainage solutions but warns that climate change continues to pose significant risks of flash flooding throughout the city.
