The Lagos State Government has appealed for calm after continuous rainfall lasting over 12 hours led to flash floods in various parts of the city.
In a statement issued on Monday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to prioritise safety and remain vigilant, noting that the state’s flood control infrastructure is built to manage heavy rainfall events.
His appeal followed a weather advisory from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, forecasting sustained heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Lagos over the next three days.
Wahab acknowledged that the volume of rainfall may temporarily exceed the capacity of existing drainage systems, particularly in low-lying and waterfront communities.
“As a coastal state, Lagos is prone to rising lagoon levels during prolonged downpours, which can cause tidal backflow and restrict the outflow of stormwater,” he said.
He advised residents living near riverbanks and waterfronts to brace for flash floods with strong currents and cautioned parents to ensure their children stay indoors and away from floodwaters.
The commissioner also warned both pedestrians and motorists against attempting to navigate flooded roads, emphasising the risk of being swept away or trapped in submerged vehicles.
Wahab decried the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and waterways, stating that such actions severely hinder stormwater discharge and exacerbate flooding. He reiterated that offenders would face strict penalties under environmental laws.
Highlighting ongoing flood mitigation efforts, Wahab said the government remains committed to regular clearing of drainage channels and has awarded fresh contracts for the concrete-lining of critical drains to improve water flow and flood resilience.
“However, when rainfall exceeds normal levels, as experienced in the past 12 hours, there is a need for collective responsibility to reduce the impact,” the statement noted.
The government assured residents that emergency response teams are fully mobilised and on alert. It also urged Lagosians to adhere to all safety advisories and exercise caution throughout the rainy season.
