Flood alert: Lagos Govt orders residents in vulnerable areas to relocate

The Lagos State Government has issued a flood alert, advising residents in vulnerable, flood-prone areas to relocate to safer, elevated locations, following a seven-day alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency. The warning, which spans from September 19 to 25, 2026, encompasses Lagos and 14 additional states. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, identified Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri Sea Port, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, Jetty Terminal B, Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, and specific areas downstream of Isheri Olofin as particularly susceptible to flooding.

Wahab urged residents to act promptly, emphasizing that no property is worth endangering lives. The government has intensified monitoring of river levels, rainfall patterns, and hydrological conditions in partnership with federal agencies. Wahab cautioned communities along the Ogun River and other significant waterways, highlighting the potential for increased flooding risks due to heavy upstream rainfall and rising water levels in interconnected river systems.

NiHSA warned that rising river levels could endanger critical facilities, urging local authorities, emergency management agencies, and residents to activate early warning systems and comply with evacuation instructions. Residents are advised against walking or driving through flooded roads or areas with fast-moving water, and the state government will continue drainage maintenance and other preventative measures.