The Lagos State Government has advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to safer, elevated areas following a fresh seven-day flood warning issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The warning, contained in advisory NFA-2026-2022 issued over the weekend, listed Lagos among 15 states expected to experience increased flood risks.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state government had stepped up surveillance across communities identified as vulnerable to flooding.
Areas highlighted in the advisory include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
Other locations requiring increased vigilance include Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and communities downstream of Isheri Olofin.
Wahab urged residents in these areas to act on early warnings rather than wait for floodwaters to rise before taking precautions.
He particularly advised people living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other waterways to remain alert and follow instructions issued by emergency and environmental authorities.
According to the NIHSA forecast, rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities and disrupt important facilities such as schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
The commissioner also called on local government authorities, emergency agencies and community leaders to strengthen their early-warning and emergency response systems. Residents were advised to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer locations where necessary.
He said the Lagos government would continue monitoring rainfall and river levels in collaboration with relevant federal agencies, while maintaining efforts to clear and monitor drainage channels across the state.
Wahab further appealed to residents to stop dumping waste in drains, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage systems can worsen flooding and prolong the time it takes for floodwaters to recede.
He also warned against attempting to walk or drive through flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, urging residents in vulnerable communities to make temporary relocation plans whenever authorities issue warnings of an imminent flood threat.
