The Lagos State Government has directed residents in low-lying and flood-prone communities to relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, NiHSA.
The government said the move is necessary to prevent loss of lives and property.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement on Monday issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab said the alert issued over the weekend affects Lagos and 14 other states. Vulnerable areas in Lagos include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
He said the government is treating the NiHSA advisory with utmost seriousness and has intensified monitoring across the identified locations and other riverine, low-lying and flood-prone communities.
The Commissioner urged residents not to wait until floodwaters rise before acting, stressing that early relocation could save lives.
“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 stated.
He advised residents in flood-prone communities to move to higher ground and remain there until the peak of the resurgent rainy season has passed.
Communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways were also asked to exercise heightened caution, noting that heavy rainfall and rising water levels upstream could affect downstream communities in Lagos.
Wahab listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi, and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin among communities to remain on high alert between September 19 and 25.
He also advised residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to monitor official flood forecasts and be prepared to relocate temporarily when flooding becomes imminent.
According to him, NiHSA warned that rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable communities and affect critical facilities including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
Wahab called on affected local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms and move people, livestock and valuable possessions to safer locations where necessary.
He said the state government will continue to monitor river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies, while sustaining routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across the state.
The Commissioner appealed to residents to support flood mitigation efforts by refraining from dumping refuse in drains, canals and waterways, noting that blocked channels could worsen flooding.
He also cautioned against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, urging those in vulnerable areas to make arrangements for temporary relocation whenever official warnings indicate an imminent threat.
Wahab stressed that protection of lives and property remains the government’s top priority and assured residents that government would continue to deploy measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates.
The latest National Flood Advisory from NiHSA indicates that more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states are at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25.
The agency listed Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos as states most likely to be affected.
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