By Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, Sept 21, 2026
LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent safety advisory urging residents across low-lying, riverine, and coastal communities to take immediate precautionary measures following a seven-day flood alert released by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
Giving the charge in a public statement on Thursday, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, advised citizens living in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and move to higher ground whenever necessary between September 19 and September 25, 2026.
According to the Commissioner, early proactive steps remain critical to safeguarding lives and preventing loss of property as water levels rise across key catchment basins.
High-Risk Locations Identified
The state government highlighted several coastal, riverbank, and low-lying communities downstream of the Ogun River and major waterways that face heightened risk during the seven-day window.
Key areas put on high alert include:
Island & Coastal Corridors: Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla (Ajah), Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront, and Jetty Terminal B.
Ogun River Basin & Downstream Communities: Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi, and downstream settlements near Isheri Olofin.
Wahab stressed that residents in these vulnerable areas must monitor local water levels continuously and relocate swiftly rather than waiting for floodwaters to submerge their surroundings.
”Residents in vulnerable locations should move to safer and higher ground whenever necessary and should not wait for floodwaters to rise before taking action. No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab stated.
To mitigate the impact of the impending weather conditions, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has intensified real-time monitoring of rainfall volume, drainage discharge, and river water levels across the state.
Wahab confirmed that the state government is collaborating closely with federal hydrological authorities and local emergency response teams to strengthen flood prevention mechanisms, maintain primary drainage channels, and execute swift rescue operations if required.
He reassured the public that protecting lives and property remains the ultimate priority of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration throughout the rainy season.
Safety Guidelines for Lagos Residents
In addition to early evacuation advisories, the Ministry of the Environment issued safety guidelines for all Lagosians to help reduce localized flood risks and avoid life-threatening situations:
Clear Drainage Channels: Ensure household gutters and community drainage paths remain entirely free of solid waste and refuse to maintain maximum water flow.
Avoid Flooded Roads: Refrain from driving, walking, or wading through deep floodwaters, as hidden currents and submerged hazards pose severe risks.
Rely on Official Advisories: Follow verified weather updates and emergency instructions issued exclusively by the Lagos State Government, NiHSA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Avoid sharing unverified social media rumors.
The Commissioner urged calm among residents while reinforcing the necessity of strict compliance with official safety measures.
”Our priority remains the protection of lives and property. I encourage everyone to remain calm, vigilant, and responsive to safety instructions as we continue to monitor the situation,” Wahab concluded.
