The Lagos State Government has ordered residents living in 13 flood-prone and low-lying communities to relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.
The alert, which runs from September 19 to 25, 2026, places Lagos among 15 states at high risk of flooding due to rising river levels and heavy rainfall.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina. He urged residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before taking action.
“We are urging Lagosians, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, not to take this warning lightly. When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab said.
The 13 areas identified as vulnerable are Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, Jetty Terminal B, Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi.
Wahab also warned other communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways, particularly settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin, that increased rainfall upstream could worsen downstream flooding in Lagos.
The state government said it has intensified monitoring of river levels and rainfall patterns in collaboration with federal agencies. It also warned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads and fast-moving water and against dumping refuse into drains and canals.
