The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent flood warning for residents in low-lying areas of Lekki, Ikorodu, Ajegunle, and Isheri (OPIC axis). They have also advised immediate relocation to higher ground due to the risk of severe flash flooding.
This follows heavy rainfall that began Sunday night and continued through Monday, August 4, 2025, causing widespread flooding across parts of the state.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, speaking on Channels Television’s on August 5, 2025, emphasized the vulnerability of Lagos as a coastal city to climate change-induced flash flooding.
He cited predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which forecast significantly heavier rainfall in 2025 compared to previous years.
“For those who stay in the lowland of Lagos, they have to move to the upland pending when the rain recedes,” Wahab urged. He specifically named areas like Ajilete in Ajegunle, Majidun in Ikorodu, and parts of the Lekki corridor as high-risk zones. Meanwhile, areas such as Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja were described as relatively safe
The recent downpour has caused a flood of viral videos showing waterlogged streets and disrupted commercial activities in Nigeria’s economic hub. Efforts to clear drainage channels and expand flood pathways are ongoing, with projects like System 44 in Lekki and developments in Maryland and Ikeja aimed at improving flood resilience.
Wahab stressed the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to avoid dumping refuse in drains and building on wetlands or floodplains, warning that illegal structures would face demolition.
“There must be consequences for bad behaviour,” he said, referencing the government’s crackdown on environmental violations.
Additionally, concerns about water quality have emerged. Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, warned that boreholes in Lekki may be contaminated, posing health risks. He advocated for wastewater treatment to mitigate disease risks and noted that despite significant efforts, more work is needed to address flooding challenges.
The Lagos State Government continues to monitor flood-prone areas and has mobilized emergency response teams, urging residents to adhere to safety advisories and exercise caution during the rainy season
