Lagos Issues Evacuation Order as Flood Risk Rises.

The Lagos State Government has directed residents in flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, issued the directive in a statement made available on Monday in Lagos. The statement was released by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr Kunle Adeshina.

Wahab said the directive follows a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, covering Lagos and 14 other states. The alert warns that rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, potentially affecting schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms, and places of worship.

Vulnerable Areas Identified

Wahab listed several vulnerable areas within Lagos, including Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, and Jetty Terminal B, among others. He urged residents in these communities not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking action. "When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life," he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government has intensified monitoring across riverine, low-lying, and other flood-prone communities, urging affected residents to move to higher ground and remain there until the peak of the resurgent rainy season has passed. He explained that Lagos typically experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, characterised by increased rainfall, rising water levels, and tidal influences.

Wahab advised residents living near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels, and other water bodies to remain vigilant, comply with official safety advisories, and prepare for possible temporary relocation.

Heightened Alert Along the Ogun River

The commissioner also called for heightened caution among communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways, noting that upstream rainfall and rising water levels could impact downstream areas. He specifically identified Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, and parts of Agboyi as areas requiring elevated alert, urging residents there — along with other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin — to remain on high alert from September 19 to 25.

Wahab further advised residents in coastal and waterfront communities to monitor official flood forecasts and prepare for temporary relocation whenever flooding appears imminent.

Government Response and Preventive Measures

The commissioner called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders, and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms, urging residents to move people, livestock, and valuable possessions to safer locations where necessary.

Wahab said the state government would continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns, and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies, while routine cleaning, maintenance, and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across the state would also continue.

He urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals, and waterways, warning that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and heighten risks to communities. He also cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water.

Wahab assured that the government would continue deploying measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates as the situation evolves, urging Lagos residents to remain calm, vigilant, and responsive to official flood advisories.