The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in flood-prone, riverine and low-lying communities to immediately relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
The alert, covering September 19 to 25, 2026, places Lagos among 15 states considered vulnerable to flooding during the period, prompting the state government to intensify its preparedness measures and urge residents to take early action rather than wait for floodwaters to rise.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive in a statement urging residents, particularly those living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other waterways, to treat the warning as a serious safety advisory.
Wahab identified Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri Sea Port, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B among locations considered vulnerable to flooding.
He also listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other communities downstream of Isheri Olofin as areas where residents should remain on high alert.
“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.
The Commissioner specifically warned communities located along the Ogun River and other major waterways, saying heavy rainfall upstream and rising water levels in connected river systems could worsen flooding in downstream areas of Lagos.
He said the state government was working with relevant federal agencies to monitor river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in vulnerable areas to provide early warning and support timely intervention.
According to the NiHSA alert, rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities and disrupt critical infrastructure and public facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
The State Government urged residents and community leaders to pay close attention to official forecasts and emergency alerts, particularly in areas where previous flooding has exposed communities and infrastructure to the risk of inundation.
Wahab called on local government authorities, emergency management agencies, traditional and community leaders and residents to activate their early-warning and emergency-response mechanisms.
He advised households in vulnerable locations to make arrangements for the temporary relocation of people, livestock and valuables to safer areas whenever an imminent flood threat is announced.
Residents living around rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies were also advised to continuously monitor official weather and flood forecasts and comply with evacuation directives issued by the authorities.
The Commissioner cautioned residents against attempting to walk or drive through flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, warning that such actions could expose them to avoidable danger.
He urged residents to make temporary relocation arrangements once there are clear indications of an imminent flood, stressing that early evacuation remains safer than attempting to escape after floodwaters have risen.
The state government said it would continue drainage maintenance, river-level monitoring and other flood mitigation measures across vulnerable parts of Lagos.
Wahab, however, appealed to residents to complement government efforts by keeping drainage channels and waterways free of refuse.
He warned against indiscriminate dumping of waste into drains, canals and waterways, noting that blocked drainage infrastructure could worsen the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding.
The Commissioner stressed that the protection of lives and property remained the priority of the state government, urging residents to regard flood forecasts as critical safety information requiring prompt action.
