Flood alert: Lagos orders vulnerable residents to relocate

The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood warning issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

The warning covers 19 to 25 September 2026, with Lagos among 15 states identified as vulnerable to flooding as river levels rise and rainfall continues.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state was treating the warning seriously and had intensified monitoring across vulnerable locations.

Among the areas specifically identified are Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.

Communities along the Ogun River and other waterways have also been urged to exercise heightened caution. These include Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi, as well as other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin.

Residents urged to move before flooding begins

Mr Wahab warned residents not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking action, stressing that early relocation could help prevent deaths and property losses.

“When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life.”

Residents in affected communities have been advised to move to safer, higher ground and remain there while the flood threat persists. They have also been asked to relocate people, livestock and valuable belongings where necessary.

Schools, hospitals, markets at risk

According to the flood advisory, rising river levels could affect vulnerable communities and critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.

The Lagos Government has therefore directed affected local governments, emergency agencies and community leaders to activate early-warning and emergency-response measures.

The state said it would continue monitoring rainfall patterns, river levels and other hydrological developments in collaboration with federal agencies.

Residents warned against dangerous floodwater

The government also warned Lagosians against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, particularly where water levels are rising rapidly.

Residents living around rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other waterways were urged to monitor official flood forecasts and prepare for temporary relocation when flooding becomes imminent.

Blocked drains remain a concern

Mr Wahab appealed to residents to support flood-mitigation efforts by avoiding the dumping of refuse in drains, canals and waterways.

The government said blocked drainage channels can worsen flooding and delay the movement of floodwater after heavy rainfall.

Routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure will also continue across the state.

For residents in the affected areas, the warning means that flood preparedness is no longer simply about protecting property. Moving early, monitoring official alerts and avoiding dangerous floodwater could determine whether a household escapes the worst effects of the flooding.