Lagos Government Issues Flood Alert to Riverine and Coastal Communities

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.