Photo File: Emergency workers moving some flood victims to safety in Lagos State

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents in parts of Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle to vacate lowland areas and move to higher ground as heavy rainfall and flash flooding continue to threaten parts of the state.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning during an appearance on National Television, on Tuesday. He urged residents in identified flood-prone areas to act swiftly.

“Those around the Ajilete axis of Lagos, that’s Ajegunle, they have to move. Those around the coastline of Ikorodu, Majidu have to move. Some areas around the Lekki corridor, too, not all,” Wahab said, adding that “Epe had always been safe, Mushin will be safe, Ikeja will be safe.”

He further cautioned residents of Isheri, particularly those in the OPIC axis, to remain on alert. According to Wahab, the state’s topography, coupled with climate change, makes Lagos especially vulnerable to flooding.

“Lagos will be exposed to the vagaries of climate change, and that means Lagos will have flash flooding,” he said, referencing the 2024 Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecast which predicts heavier rainfall than in previous years.

Following a downpour that lasted from Sunday night into Monday evening, several communities across Lagos were submerged. However, Wahab appealed for calm, assuring residents that the government is actively clearing drainage channels and expanding water pathways to mitigate flood risks.

“We won’t tell Lagosians lies,” the commissioner said. “As a state, we have to provide resilient infrastructure, and we have to tell our people to be responsible. If nature takes its course, what we can do is to mitigate its impact.”

Wahab urged all residents living on lowlands to relocate temporarily to upland areas until the rains subside.