The Lagos State Government has placed several riverine, coastal and low-lying communities on high alert following a seven-day flood warning issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
The advisory, covering September 19 to 25, 2026, warned of rising river levels and possible flooding in Lagos and 14 other states.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state had intensified monitoring of vulnerable locations and urged residents to take precautionary measures before floodwaters rise.
Among the areas identified for heightened vigilance are Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri around the seaport, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
Wahab also listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin as communities that could be affected by rising water levels along the Ogun River and other waterways.
He advised residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain alert and comply with safety instructions from government agencies.
“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 said.
According to the commissioner, Lagos normally enters a second phase of the rainy season from September, with increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences potentially increasing flood risks in vulnerable communities.
He explained that rainfall upstream and rising water levels in interconnected river systems could also affect communities downstream in Lagos.
NiHSA warned that rising river levels could lead to flooding in vulnerable locations and disrupt critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
Wahab urged affected local governments, emergency agencies and community leaders to activate early-warning and response mechanisms. He also advised residents to move people, livestock and valuables to safer locations where necessary.
He said the state government would continue working with relevant federal agencies to monitor rainfall patterns, river levels and other hydrological developments.
The commissioner added that the state would sustain the cleaning and maintenance of drainage infrastructure as part of its flood mitigation efforts.
He, however, appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in drains, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and slow the recession of floodwaters.
Wahab further advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, while encouraging residents in vulnerable communities to prepare for temporary relocation when official warnings indicate an imminent threat.
He assured residents that the government would continue to provide updates and deploy measures aimed at reducing flood risks across the state.
