The Lagos State Government has issued a critical warning to residents as heavy downpours continue to lash parts of the city, raising the threat of widespread flash floods, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, called for heightened vigilance, explaining that current geostationary weather imagery indicates intense thunderstorms and dense cloud cover over Lagos. This, he said, points to the likelihood of convective rainfall and sudden flooding across many parts of the state over the coming days.
Wahab stressed that Lagos, being a coastal city with numerous waterways, is especially vulnerable to tidal lock during periods of heavy rain, when rising water levels in the lagoon prevent floodwaters from draining properly. This condition, he warned, will worsen the impact of the flash floods in affected communities.
He advised residents, particularly those living near rivers, canals, and lagoons, to stay indoors during periods of rainfall unless absolutely necessary. The Commissioner cautioned against wading or driving through floodwaters, as vehicles can easily be swept away and lives endangered due to strong currents.
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Parents were urged to keep a close watch on their children, many of whom are currently on mid-term break, to prevent them from playing in the rain or swimming in dangerous flash floodwaters-a behavior that has claimed lives in the past.
Wahab also took the opportunity to remind the public that indiscriminate waste disposal remains a major contributor to flooding in Lagos. He warned residents to stop dumping refuse into drains during rainfall, as this clogs the drainage system and worsens flooding. Offenders, he noted, would face legal consequences.
According to the Commissioner, the state’s drainage maintenance teams are actively cleaning and clearing canals and waterways throughout the year. However, he emphasized that no system is foolproof when rainfall exceeds typical levels, and community cooperation is essential in reducing the risk.
As rainfall continues in Lagos and weather forecasts predict more storms in the days ahead, the government is urging residents to remain cautious, stay informed, and report blocked drains or emergencies to relevant authorities for swift response.
The call comes amid growing concerns over climate change and urban flooding, with Lagos once again at the forefront of Nigeria’s flood-risk zones.
