Lagos State Government has issued a directive for residents living along the banks of the Ogun River to relocate to higher ground.
Gatekeepers News report that Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced this as the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) begins the process of releasing water from the Oyan Dam.
Wahab addressed journalists on Thursday, explaining that the dam’s operations are informed by real-time hydrological data, rainfall forecasts provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the flood outlook from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The decision to release water is deemed essential to maintain the dam’s structural integrity and to mitigate its socio-economic effects on the residents of Lagos.
Despite substantial rainfall in the Oyan River catchment area, totalling 984.1 mm for 2024, the figures remain below the 1,540.8 mm recorded in 2023 and are considered within safe operational parameters. Currently, the water discharge rate is set at 208 m³/s, with only two gates opened at 12 percent capacity each, allowing for a controlled release.
Wahab reassured that 62.1 percent of the dam’s flood control capacity is still intact, indicating that there is no immediate risk of exceeding safe water release limits.
He expressed understanding of the difficulties faced by residents in the affected communities, which include Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun.
“I want to emphasise that while the flooding experienced in these areas has often been attributed solely to water released from the Oyan Dam, this is not entirely the case,” he said.
“In reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which converge and contribute to rising water levels in the affected areas.”
Wahab said OORBDA has begun the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis.
The commissioner said the project is a proactive step to deepen the river channel and enhance its capacity to carry water, thereby decreasing the likelihood of flooding during periods of high inflow.
He said the state government will continue to closely monitor the situation and work in collaboration with relevant agencies and affected communities.
Wahab urged Lagos residents to refrain from indiscriminate dumping of waste in unauthorised areas, littering the roads with pet bottles, and blocking drains with silt or construction materials.
He also warned against constructing buildings within and around drainages and discharging human waste into drains and canals.
“I wish to appeal once again to our people to support our efforts by complementing the government through regular clearing of drains on their frontages,” he added.
