The Lagos State Government has issued a fresh warning to residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas and communities near rivers and lagoons, to remain alert as more heavy rainfall is expected to trigger flash floods in the coming days.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a statement on Saturday, citing geostationary satellite imagery and recent weather forecasts indicating widespread convective rainfall, dense cloud cover, and thunderstorm activity across the state.

“These weather patterns show that Lagos is likely to experience intense rainfall and flash floods, especially in areas adjacent to rivers and lagoons. These floods may come with strong currents,” Wahab said.

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Safety Precautions

He advised residents to stay indoors during periods of heavy downpour unless movement is absolutely necessary, stressing the need to assess weather conditions before venturing out.

Parents and guardians were urged to keep a close eye on their children—especially those currently on mid-term break—warning against playing in the rain or swimming in floodwaters.

“Parents should monitor their wards closely to ensure they don’t go outside during the rain or attempt to wade through floodwaters,” Wahab stated.

He also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against moving through flooded roads, noting that such actions could result in vehicles being swept away or lives lost due to the strength of flood currents.

Lagos Flood Risk and Drainage Efforts

Wahab reminded residents that, as a coastal state, Lagos is vulnerable to rising lagoon water levels during intense rainfall. This often leads to tidal lock—a phenomenon that prevents drainage systems from discharging runoff, worsening flood conditions.

He further appealed to residents to stop indiscriminate refuse dumping into drains, which exacerbates flooding by blocking the natural flow of water.

“Our drains are being cleaned and maintained all year round to manage runoff. But this effort must be complemented by responsible waste disposal from the public,” he said.

National Context

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has also issued similar flood warnings for Akwa Ibom and 13 other states, highlighting a high risk of flash floods due to intensifying rainfall and poor drainage systems.

Other affected states include Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Abia, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, and Rivers.

NiMet noted that several communities across Nigeria have already experienced localized flooding, especially in urban centers and riverine settlements where drainage systems are overwhelmed.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the upcoming local government elections as a strategic platform to reaffirm support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly constructed Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, legislative building, a 400-metre paved road, and the groundbreaking of the Ibeju-Lekki Housing Scheme on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu urged residents to use the council poll as a demonstration of political loyalty and solidarity with the president.

The local government elections in Lagos are scheduled to hold on July 12, 2025.

The governor emphasized that the various projects being commissioned would not only improve infrastructure but also drive economic growth and employment at the grassroots level.

“You know that everything we are doing fosters job creation and increases the internal revenue of the local government,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We believe this will promote structured rural development and enhance the dignity and well-being of our communities.”

Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu, following a recent show of unity between the two leaders. In a message posted to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter) after seeing the president off to Abuja post-Eid celebrations, the governor wrote:

“I remain dedicated to supporting his efforts and policies, which aim to bring real and lasting change to the lives of Nigerians. Lagos stands ready to play its part in building the Nigeria we all hope for.”

Addressing supporters in Yoruba during the event, Sanwo-Olu added (translated into English):

“The local government election is near—just one month away. I urge you to show your strength and support through your votes. This will pave the way for a smooth and successful 2027 campaign for Mr. President.”

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LG, Hon. Abdullahi Olowa, reflected on the progress made since his administration took office in 2021, shortly after the secretariat was destroyed during the EndSARS protests.

“We inherited the urgent task of rebuilding from scratch. Today, by the grace of God, we have not only restored but elevated the local government’s infrastructure to a modern, world-class standard,” Olowa stated.

A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, on Tuesday ordered the remand of 34 individuals in custody until July 22, 2025, for engaging in street trading along the median of the Alaba Rago area on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The defendants — comprising 32 males and two females — were apprehended over the weekend during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out by operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). The exercise was aimed at clearing illegal structures and traders who had taken over the road median, disrupting traffic and violating environmental regulations.

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Authorities noted that among those arrested were suspected miscreants who had been sleeping in makeshift shelters on the median, allegedly using the area as a base for illicit activities.

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the state government’s commitment to enforcing environmental and public order laws. He emphasized that the current administration would not tolerate acts of indiscipline that undermine public safety and urban order.

Wahab also urged Lagos residents to uphold standards of cleanliness and civility, contributing actively to the vision of a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable city.