Flood alert: Lagos orders vulnerable residents to relocate
The Lagos State Government has urged residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to move to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
The advisory, covering September 19 to 25, warns that rising river levels and renewed rainfall could pose a threat to vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the state.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, the government said the warning followed NiHSA’s latest alert, identified as NFA-2026-2022, which covers Lagos and 14 other states.
The statement said authorities had intensified surveillance in vulnerable areas, urging residents to evacuate early rather than wait until floodwaters begin to rise.
Communities identified as being at risk include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri near the seaport, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B, among other locations.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state was taking the warning seriously and had strengthened monitoring across riverine, coastal and other flood-prone communities.
He appealed to residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, to act promptly when warnings indicate possible danger, stressing that protecting lives should take precedence over property.
Wahab advised residents to remain in safer, elevated locations until the peak of the rainy season had passed, noting that early evacuation could help prevent fatalities and minimise property damage.
He explained that Lagos typically experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, when increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal activity can heighten the risk of flooding.
The commissioner also urged communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways to remain alert, warning that rainfall upstream and rising levels in connected river systems could worsen flooding downstream in Lagos.
Among the other communities listed in the advisory are Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin.
Residents in the affected areas were advised to move to safer locations and remain there for as long as the threat persists.
According to the statement, NiHSA warned that rising river levels could inundate vulnerable communities and disrupt essential facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
The commissioner directed affected local governments, emergency management agencies and community leaders to activate early-warning systems and response measures. Residents were also encouraged to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer areas where necessary.
The Lagos State Government said it would continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with federal agencies.
It added that routine drainage cleaning, maintenance and surveillance would continue across the state as part of efforts to reduce flooding.
Wahab, however, identified the blockage of drainage channels as one of the factors contributing to flood risks and urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drains, canals and waterways.
He further warned people against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing water. Residents in vulnerable communities were encouraged to make temporary relocation arrangements whenever official advisories indicate an imminent threat.
The commissioner reiterated that protecting lives and property remained the government’s foremost priority, urging residents to treat flood forecasts as important safety information and respond promptly to official warnings.
He assured the public that the state would continue implementing measures to mitigate flooding and provide updates as the situation evolves, while calling on residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official advisories.
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