The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to relocate immediately to safer areas to prevent loss of life and destruction of property.
The directive follows a new seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) under advisory NFA-2026-2022, covering Lagos and 14 other states.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, identified several communities considered vulnerable to flooding, including Eti-Osa, Lagos Island Local Government Area, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri around the seaport, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B, among others.
In a statement issued by the ministry on Monday, Wahab said the state government was treating the advisory with the utmost seriousness and had intensified monitoring across the identified locations, as well as other riverine, low-lying and flood-prone communities.
He urged residents not to ignore the warning or wait until floodwaters rise before taking action, stressing that early preparation and temporary relocation could prevent avoidable loss of life.
Wahab advised residents in vulnerable communities to move to higher ground and remain there until the peak of the renewed rainy season had passed.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner noted that Lagos typically experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, often characterised by increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences that can worsen flooding in vulnerable areas.
He therefore urged residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain vigilant and comply with safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies.
Wahab specifically called on communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution, noting that heavy rainfall upstream and rising water levels in interconnected river systems could significantly affect downstream areas of Lagos.
He listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin among the communities that should remain on high alert between September 19 and 25.
The commissioner also urged residents across the state, particularly those in coastal and waterfront communities, to closely monitor official flood forecasts and be prepared to relocate temporarily whenever flooding becomes imminent.
