The Lagos State Government has issued a renewed warning to residents in parts of Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle to relocate from low-lying areas to higher ground to avoid falling victim to flooding.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Tuesday, the Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, urged: “People around the Ajilete axis in Ajegunle must relocate. Those living near the Ikorodu coastline, such as Majidu, must also move. Some areas along the Lekki corridor are affected, though not all.”
He reassured residents in Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja that those locations remain safe, but warned people in Isheri, within the OPIC zone, to stay vigilant.
Wahab explained that, as a coastal city, Lagos is vulnerable to the effects of climate change and will experience flash flooding this year.
Citing predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), he noted that Lagos is expected to receive more rainfall this year than last.
“Residents in lowland areas must temporarily move to higher ground until the rains subside,” Wahab advised.
Several communities across Lagos were flooded on Monday following relentless rainfall that began Sunday night and continued until Monday evening.
Videos circulated on social media showed houses and vehicles submerged in floodwater, as residents cautiously made their way through waterlogged streets and roads. Blocked drains and canals worsened the situation, severely disrupting commerce and daily life in Nigeria’s economic capital.
Despite the situation, Wahab called for calm, assuring the public that the government is actively addressing the issue by clearing drainage systems and widening flood channels to reduce the impact.
“We won’t mislead Lagosians,” Wahab stated. “Lagos will face climate-related flash flooding, but we must build resilient infrastructure and encourage residents to act responsibly.
“When nature takes its course, all we can do is reduce its damage,” he concluded.