Lagos govt orders residents to leave flood-prone areas

The Lagos State Government has directed residents in flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive in a statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Wahab said the directive followed a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

Wahab said the alert covered Lagos and 14 other states, warning that rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable communities.

According to the alert, flooding could affect schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship in vulnerable communities.

Wahab listed vulnerable areas in Lagos to include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, and Jetty Terminal B, among others.

The commissioner urged residents in affected communities not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking action.

“When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab said.

Wahab noted that the Lagos State Government had intensified monitoring across riverine, low-lying and other flood-prone communities.

He urged residents to move to higher ground and remain there until the peak of the resurgent rainy season had passed.

He said Lagos usually experienced a second phase of the rainy season from September, with increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences.

Ogun govt issues flood alert, orders residents in vulnerable areas to relocate

The commissioner advised residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain vigilant.

Wahab also urged residents to comply with official safety advisories and prepare for possible temporary relocation.

Wahab equally enjoined communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution.

He said upstream rainfall and rising water levels could affect downstream communities.

The commissioner specifically mentioned Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi as areas requiring heightened alert.

He said residents in those areas and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin should remain on high alert from September 19 to September 25.

Wahab urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals, and waterways, noting that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and increase risks to communities.

The commissioner also cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.

Wahab said the Lagos State Government would continue deploying measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates as the situation evolved.

He urged Lagos residents to remain calm, vigilant, and responsive to official flood advisories.