NiHSA Issues 7-Day Flood Alert, Lagos Tells Low-Lying Communities To Relocate Immediately

The Lagos State Government has directed residents in flood-prone and low-lying communities to relocate immediately to higher grounds to prevent loss of life and property.

The directive followed a seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), covering Lagos and 14 other states.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Monday, urged residents not to take the warning lightly.

He listed vulnerable areas to include 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 parts of Agboyi.

“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.

He advised residents to relocate early and remain on higher ground until the peak of the rainy season passes, noting that Lagos typically experiences heavier rainfall and rising water levels from September, worsened by tidal influences.

The commissioner also cautioned communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways over possible downstream flooding from intense upstream rainfall.

He urged residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands and drainage channels to stay vigilant, monitor official forecasts, and avoid walking or driving through flooded roads.

Wahab said the government had intensified monitoring of vulnerable communities and would continue cleaning and maintaining drainage infrastructure, while appealing to residents to stop dumping refuse into drains and canals.

He called on local governments, emergency agencies and community leaders to activate early-warning and response mechanisms and move people, livestock and valuables to safer locations when necessary.