Lagos Residents in Flood Zones Told to Relocate Immediately

The Lagos State Government has called on residents living in flood-prone areas of Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle to leave their homes and move to safer locations as heavy rains continue across the city.

The warning comes after a powerful downpour that started Sunday night left many parts of Lagos submerged. By Monday, streets, homes, and vehicles were overtaken by floodwaters, disrupting daily life and crippling business activities in Nigeria’s busiest city.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who spoke on national television on Tuesday, named specific danger zones including Ajilete in Ajegunle, Majidun in Ikorodu, and parts of the Lekki corridor. He also identified the Isheri area near OPIC as another location at high risk.

Wahab said that the alert was based on forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which has predicted more rainfall this year than in 2023. He stressed the need for residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground until the rains ease off.

He explained that Lagos, as a coastal city, is naturally exposed to flash floods and the broader effects of climate change. While the government has been working to clear drainage systems and expand water channels, he warned that no amount of preparation can stop nature’s force completely.

Wahab assured the public that the state is not downplaying the issue and is focused on reducing the damage through early warnings and infrastructure improvements. However, he insisted that the success of any effort depends on how the public responds.

The commissioner urged residents to listen to official advice and cooperate by relocating from risky areas. He said it’s not just about government action but also about the choices individuals make to protect their lives and property.

As rain continues to fall across Lagos, traffic has slowed to a crawl and several neighborhoods remain underwater. Authorities are racing against time to limit the damage, but the full cooperation of residents remains crucial in navigating the difficult weeks ahead.