Lagos State government has issued a warning regarding the likelihood of more intense rainfall and flash floods in the area in the coming days.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, indicated that the region has already experienced heavy rainfall over the past 12 hours. This is in line with forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which have predicted continued adverse weather conditions.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant as these conditions can potentially lead to flooding.
Wahab, who urged residents to remain calm and take precautions, noted that Lagos as a coastal city, is prone to tidal lock-up — a condition where rising lagoon levels slow the flow of stormwater, leading to flooding.
“We have resilient systems in place to manage flash floods, but the sheer volume of rainfall may temporarily overwhelm some drainage channels,” the post reads.
Wahab said the government is closely monitoring flood-prone areas, especially those near rivers and lagoons, and advised residents in those locations to exercise caution.
He appealed to parents to keep their children indoors during the holiday period, warning that swimming or playing in floodwater is extremely dangerous.
The commissioner also cautioned against dumping waste into drains during rainfall, noting that such acts contribute to flooding and attract sanctions.
He added that government teams are working round the clock to clean, maintain, and expand drainage networks across the city.
“Motorists and pedestrians should also avoid flooded roads. Vehicles can be submerged, and lives can be lost,” Wahab said.
“Once again, I must stress, do not dump refuse into drains during rainfall. It clogs our drainage systems and worsens flooding. There are consequences for such actions, and enforcement will continue.”
