The Lagos State Government has urged residents in flood‑prone and low‑lying communities to move to safer, elevated areas after the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) issued a seven‑day flood alert covering Lagos and 14 other states for the period 19 to 25 September 2026.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab named several vulnerable sites, including Eti‑Osa, Lagos Island, Oke‑Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri Sea Port, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B. He also warned riverine settlements such as Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and areas downstream of Isheri Olofin to remain vigilant.
“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 added that the government had increased monitoring of river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological conditions in partnership with federal agencies.
Wahab cautioned communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways, noting that heavy rainfall upstream and rising water levels could heighten downstream flooding risk. He called on local authorities, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early warning and response systems, including the relocation of people, livestock and valuables to safer locations.
NiHSA warned that rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities and disrupt critical facilities such as schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship. Residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies were advised to follow official flood forecasts and comply with evacuation instructions.
The commissioner also warned against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges or fast‑moving water, urging those facing imminent danger to make temporary relocation arrangements. He stressed that the state would continue drainage maintenance, river‑level surveillance and other measures aimed at reducing flood risks, and urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drains, canals and waterways, which could worsen flooding.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
