LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
The alert, designated NFA-2026-2022, covers Lagos and 14 other states and warns of rising river levels and possible flooding in vulnerable communities between September 19 and 25.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state government was treating the advisory seriously and had intensified monitoring of identified flood-prone locations.
Wahab, in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, identified Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri near the seaport, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B, among other areas, as vulnerable to flooding.
The commissioner urged residents in the affected communities not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking action, stressing that early relocation could help prevent 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.
He advised residents in flood-prone communities to move to higher ground and remain there while the heightened flood risk persists.
Wahab also warned residents living near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain vigilant and comply with safety advisories from relevant authorities.
Communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways were specifically urged to exercise heightened caution because rainfall upstream and rising water levels in connected river systems could affect downstream areas of Lagos.
The commissioner 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 during the period covered by the advisory.
According to the state government, the flood risk could affect critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
Wahab therefore called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms and move people, livestock and valuables to safer locations where necessary.
He said the state government would continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.
The government also said routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure would continue across the state.
Wahab appealed to residents to support flood mitigation efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains, canals and waterways, noting that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.
Residents were also advised against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water.
The commissioner urged Lagosians to remain calm and vigilant and to follow official flood warnings as the state continues to monitor developments.
NiHSA’s current flood-monitoring dashboard also lists Lagos Island among areas under an active flood alert, with severe flooding linked to heavy rainfall and high tide.
