Lagos issues relocation order after NIHSA flood warning

Lagos State Government has ordered residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to immediately relocate to safer locations following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

The latest advisory, designated NFA-2026-2022, covers Lagos and 14 other states and warns of rising river levels and possible flooding of vulnerable communities and critical facilities during the period 19 to 25 September.

The state government, through the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, yesterday urged residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before taking precautionary measures, stressing that early evacuation could save lives and prevent destruction of property.

Wahab, in a statement, identified several vulnerable locations across Lagos, including parts of Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, the seaport area, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.

Other areas placed on heightened alert include Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other communities downstream of Isheri Olofin, particularly those located along the Ogun River and other major waterways.

The commissioner said the state government was treating the NIHSA warning with utmost seriousness and had intensified monitoring of the identified locations, as well as other riverine, coastal, low-lying and flood-prone communities.

“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 explained that Lagos typically enters a second phase of the rainy season from September, with increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences capable of worsening flooding in vulnerable communities.

Wahab therefore advised residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain vigilant and comply with safety directives issued by government agencies.

He specifically warned communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution, noting that heavy rainfall upstream and rising water levels in interconnected river systems could have serious downstream effects in Lagos.

According to the NIHSA advisory, rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities and disrupt critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.

The commissioner consequently directed affected local governments, emergency management agencies and community leaders to activate their early-warning and response mechanisms, while residents were advised to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer locations where necessary.

He said the Lagos State Government would continue to monitor rainfall patterns, river levels and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.

Wahab added that the government would sustain the cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across the state as part of measures to reduce flood risks.

He, however, urged residents to complement government efforts by stopping the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.

The commissioner also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, urging residents in vulnerable locations to make arrangements for temporary relocation whenever official warnings indicate an imminent threat.

He assured Lagos residents that the state government would continue to deploy necessary measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and provide timely updates as the situation develops.

Wahab urged Lagosians to remain calm but vigilant and to treat flood forecasts as critical safety information requiring immediate action.

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