Lagos Orders Immediate Evacuation From Flood-prone Areas

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

The advisory, covering September 19 to 25, 2026, affects Lagos and 14 other states, with the state government warning residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before taking precautionary measures.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, identified Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri Sea Port, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B among areas considered vulnerable.

He also urged residents in riverine and low-lying communities, including Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin, to remain on high alert.

“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 Commissioner said the government was intensifying monitoring of river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments across vulnerable locations in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.

He specifically warned communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways that heavy rainfall upstream and rising water levels in connected river systems could worsen downstream flooding in Lagos.

According to the NiHSA alert, rising river levels could lead to flooding in vulnerable communities and affect critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.

Wahab urged local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early warning and response mechanisms and move people, livestock and valuables to safer locations where necessary.

He also advised residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to monitor official flood forecasts and comply with evacuation directives.

The Commissioner cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, while urging them to make temporary relocation arrangements whenever an imminent threat is announced.

He said the state would sustain drainage maintenance, river-level monitoring and other flood mitigation measures, while appealing to residents to stop dumping refuse into drains, canals and waterways.

Wahab stressed that protecting lives and property remains the government’s priority and urged Lagos residents to treat flood forecasts as critical safety information requiring immediate action.