Lagos orders residents in flood-prone communities to relocate
The Lagos state government has ordered residents of low-lying and flood-prone communities to move to safer areas immediately after a fresh seven-day flood warning raised fears of rising water levels across parts of the state.
The directive follows an advisory issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), covering Lagos and 14 other states.
Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for the environment and water resources, said communities considered particularly vulnerable include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri Sea Port, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
Other areas placed on alert include Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi, particularly communities downstream of Isheri Olofin.
Wahab said residents should not wait for floodwaters to rise before leaving vulnerable locations, warning that early relocation could prevent loss of life.
“We are urging Lagosians, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, not to take this warning lightly,” he said. “When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life.”
The government said residents in affected communities should move to higher ground and remain there until the immediate threat associated with the peak rainy period has subsided.
Lagos typically experiences another period of increased rainfall from September, with high water levels and tidal conditions capable of worsening flooding in coastal and low-lying communities.
Residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other waterways were urged to remain vigilant and follow official safety warnings.
Wahab also called for particular caution among communities along the Ogun River, saying heavy upstream rainfall and changes in connected river systems could affect downstream areas of Lagos.
According to the NiHSA advisory cited by the state government, rising river levels could affect homes and critical infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms and places of worship.
Local governments, emergency agencies and community leaders have been asked to activate early-warning measures and assist residents where evacuation or temporary relocation becomes necessary.
The government said it would continue monitoring rainfall and river levels in collaboration with federal agencies, while maintaining drainage infrastructure across the state.
Residents were also warned against dumping refuse in drains and canals or attempting to walk or drive through flooded roads and fast-moving water.
Wahab said protecting lives and property remained the government’s priority and urged residents to regard official flood warnings as safety information requiring prompt action.