Authorities in Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara states have rolled out comprehensive preventive measures to cushion the effects of possible flooding, following fresh alerts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency warning of heavy rainfall in parts of the country.
NiMet recently projected increased downpours and potential flooding between July and August 2025, urging relevant authorities to take early action.
In response, the three state governments say they have intensified public awareness campaigns, improved infrastructure, and strengthened coordination among agencies to protect residents in flood-prone zones.
In Oyo State, the Operations Officer of the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Daniel Ajayi, revealed that a joint effort with stakeholders had been put in place to ensure a swift and efficient emergency response.
“We have pre-positioned relief materials including foodstuffs, building materials, and household items in our warehouses to support affected residents if flooding occurs,” he said.
Ajayi further explained that medical teams, working alongside the Red Cross, were on standby while awareness drives continued through radio, television, markets, and other public spaces.
“We have also alerted residents in flood-prone communities to prepare for possible heavy rains,” he added, noting that river channels had been cleared and residents warned against dumping refuse in drains.
Head of Operations at the National Emergency Management Agency South-West, Mr. Kadiri Olanrewaju, said the agency had held stakeholder sessions in several local government areas of Ibadan, including Lagelu, Ona-Ara, and Egbeda.
“The initiative aims to promote early action and preparedness. We’ve met with council chairmen and community leaders to develop coordinated responses,” he stated, while calling for stronger inter-agency and inter-governmental cooperation.
“There is an urgent need to dredge waterways and deploy waste management trucks across the state. Many flooding incidents are preventable,” Olanrewaju stressed.
Technical Officer with the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, Mr. Johnson Ademola, said the agency had intensified its preparedness strategy after NiMet’s warning.
“Our structural and non-structural interventions include early warning systems, improved drainage channels, and sensitisation of residents along riverbanks,” Adekola explained, noting that major rivers such as Agodi, Ogunpa, Ogbere, Omin, and Onipepeye had been cleared for better water flow.
In Ogun State, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, disclosed that flood readiness activities had been underway since March, after NiMet’s prediction.
“Flooding is part of our seasonal cycle, and we must prepare adequately. Our flood alerts help residents anticipate periods of heavy rainfall,” he said.
He noted that rainfall in the state was expected to measure between 965mm and 1805mm this year, with dry spells recorded between April and July. The first peak in July saw over 360mm of rain, with another peak projected from mid-August to September.
Oresanya added that ongoing works include the de-silting of 988.3km of waterways, construction of nearly 700 metres of drainage channels, and dredging of the Opa Aro River.
“These efforts have reduced flood duration in areas like Isheri from six weeks to three weeks. We are also working closely with community leaders and CDAs at the grassroots level,” he said, while urging residents to heed relocation advice in high-risk zones.
“We are committed not only to reducing flood impact but also to achieving zero fatalities,” he assured.
Echoing the warning, NEMA South-West Zonal Director, Mr. Saheed Akiode, said: “We’ve mobilised all relevant agencies, including the Ministries of Water Resources, Environment, and Health, to scale up preparedness.”
He cautioned that flooding could occur in several communities within the next 28 days and called on state governments to keep canals clear, monitor vulnerable settlements, and stockpile relief supplies.
In Kwara State, officials have also heightened public sensitisation efforts.
The Director of Public Orientation in the Ministry of Communications, Mr. Agboola Olanrewaju, said the campaign targets residents in riverine areas.
“Relocation of residents in vulnerable areas is ongoing to prevent avoidable loss of life,” he stated, urging people to avoid movement during heavy rains and to unplug electrical appliances to prevent power surges.
Olanrewaju added that the dredging of Asa River and the clearing of drainages in the state capital were part of ongoing measures to improve flood control.
