By Priye Briggs
The Lagos State Government has advised people living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to move temporarily to higher grounds.
The directive follows a fresh seven-day flood alert released by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warning that Lagos and 14 other states risk flooding.
The advisory, with reference NFA-2026-2022, issued at the weekend, identified several vulnerable locations in Lagos.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who quoted the NIHSA statement, said areas listed include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B, among others.
According to him, the government is taking the warning seriously and has stepped up surveillance in the listed locations and other riverine and low-lying communities prone to flooding.
He cautioned residents against waiting till floodwater rises before acting, noting that early preparation and precautionary relocation would help avert loss of lives and property.
He also urged those residing near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other waterways to stay alert and adhere to safety directives issued by relevant government agencies.
The commissioner further named Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other communities downstream of Isheri Olofin as areas that should be on heightened alert between September 19 and 25.
NIHSA, in its forecast, warned that rising river levels could inundate vulnerable communities and disrupt essential facilities such as schools, health centres, markets, farmlands and places of worship.
Wahab called on local councils, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response measures, including moving people, livestock and valuables to safer areas where necessary.
He assured that the state government would continue to track rainfall patterns and river levels in collaboration with relevant federal agencies, while sustaining the clearing, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure.
The commissioner urged residents to stop dumping refuse in drains, canals and waterways, explaining that blocked channels could aggravate flooding and slow down the recession of floodwater.
He warned against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing water, advising residents in vulnerable areas to make plans for temporary relocation whenever official warnings signal an imminent threat.
Wahab said protection of lives and property remained the priority of the state government, advising residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official flood advisories.