Lagos orders evacuation from flood-prone areas
The Lagos State Government has directed residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas to move to higher ground immediately after the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency issued a fresh seven-day flood warning.
The alert, NFA-2026-2022, covers Lagos and 14 other states and warns of rising river levels that could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities between September 19 and 25, 2026.
*Lagos flood
Etim Ekpimah
The Lagos State Government has directed residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas to move to higher ground immediately after the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency issued a fresh seven-day flood warning.
The alert, NFA-2026-2022, covers Lagos and 14 other states and warns of rising river levels that could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said on Sunday that the state government had intensified monitoring of vulnerable areas and was urging residents to act before floodwaters rise.
Areas identified as particularly vulnerable include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B, among others.
Wahab urged residents in the affected communities not to wait for flooding before relocating, stressing that early evacuation could prevent loss of life and reduce damage to property.
“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,” he said.
He also advised residents along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution, noting that heavy rainfall upstream and rising water levels in connected river systems could worsen flooding downstream in Lagos.
Residents of Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other communities downstream of Isheri Olofin were specifically urged to remain on high alert during the seven days.
Wahab said residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies should closely monitor official forecasts and be prepared for temporary relocation whenever flooding becomes imminent.
According to the NIHSA advisory, rising river levels could affect vulnerable communities and critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
The commissioner directed affected local governments, emergency management agencies and community leaders to activate early-warning and response mechanisms and assist residents in moving people, livestock and valuables to safer locations where necessary.
He said the state government would continue monitoring 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.
He appealed to residents to support flood-mitigation efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.
The commissioner also warned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.
He said protecting lives and property remained the government’s priority and urged Lagos residents to treat flood forecasts as critical safety information requiring prompt action.
Wahab assured residents that the government would continue deploying measures to reduce flood risks and provide updates as the situation developed.
He urged Lagosians to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official safety advisories. This was made available to journalists on Monday, 21 September, 2026, via a statement by Kunle Adeshina, Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
