The Lagos State Government has directed residents in flood-prone and low-lying communities to relocate immediately to higher ground following a seven-day flood alert.
The alert, issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), covers Lagos and 14 other states and is effective from September 19 to 25.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Monday, urged residents not to take the warning lightly.
He listed vulnerable areas to include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri Sea Port, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, Jetty Terminal B, Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi.
Wahab said the government had intensified monitoring of identified locations and other riverine, low-lying and flood-prone communities across the state.
“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.
He urged residents not to wait until floodwaters rose before taking action, stressing that early preparation could prevent avoidable tragedies.
The commissioner advised residents in vulnerable communities to relocate to higher grounds and remain there until the peak of the rainy season passed.
He explained that Lagos typically experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, bringing increased rainfall and rising water levels.
According to him, tidal influences during the period could further worsen flooding in vulnerable coastal and low-lying communities.
Wahab urged residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain vigilant and follow official safety advisories.
He specifically cautioned communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways, citing possible downstream effects from intense upstream rainfall.
He said rising water levels in connected river systems could affect downstream communities in Lagos, particularly those already vulnerable to flooding.
The commissioner urged coastal and waterfront communities to monitor official flood forecasts and prepare for temporary relocation whenever flooding became imminent.
He said rising river levels could affect vulnerable communities and critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
Wahab called on affected local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms.
He also urged residents to move people, livestock and valuable possessions to safer locations whenever necessary.
The commissioner said the state government would continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments with relevant federal agencies.
He added that routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across Lagos would also continue.
Wahab appealed to residents to support flood mitigation efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals and waterways.
He warned that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.
The commissioner also cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.
He urged residents in vulnerable areas to make temporary relocation arrangements whenever official warnings indicated an imminent threat.
Wahab stressed that protecting lives and property remained the government’s foremost priority and urged residents to treat flood forecasts seriously.
He assured residents that the state government would continue deploying measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates as conditions evolved.
NiHSA identified Lagos among 15 states facing heightened riverine flood risks during the seven-day period.
The agency advised vulnerable communities to move people, livestock and valuables to safer and higher grounds where necessary.
