The Lagos State Government has issued a fresh advisory urging residents in low-lying areas of Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle to immediately relocate to higher ground as intensified rainfall threatens severe flooding this season.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, delivered the warning during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.
“Those around the Ajilete axis of Lagos, that’s Ajegunle, they have to move,” Wahab said. “Those around the coastline of Ikorodu; Majidun, have to move. Some areas around the Lekki corridor too — not all.”
He specifically identified Isheri in the OPIC area as another high-risk zone while reassuring residents in Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja that their areas remain relatively safe.
The alert follows Monday’s severe flooding across parts of Lagos after prolonged rainfall from Sunday night submerged homes, vehicles, and streets.
Viral videos depicted widespread disruption, with floodwaters bringing commercial activities in Africa’s largest metropolis to a standstill.
Wahab attributed the crisis to predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which forecast heavier rainfall for Lagos in 2024 compared to 2023.
“For those who stay in the lowland of Lagos, they have to move to the upland pending when the rain recedes,” he stated.
Acknowledging Lagos’ vulnerability as a coastal city, the commissioner explained that climate change exacerbates flash flooding risks but emphasized the government’s mitigation efforts. “Lagos will be exposed to the vagaries of climate change, and that means Lagos will have flash flooding,” Wahab said. “But as a state, we have to provide resilient infrastructure, and we have to tell our people to be responsible.”
He detailed ongoing interventions, including drainage clearance and flood-path expansion, to manage stormwater. “We won’t tell Lagosians lies,” he affirmed. “If nature takes its course, what we can do is to mitigate its impact.”
While assuring residents of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Wahab stressed that community compliance is critical. He reiterated calls for at-risk populations to heed relocation advisories without delay.