The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in flood-prone and low-lying communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.
The advisory covers the period from September 19 to 25, 2026, and warns of rising river levels and possible flooding across Lagos and 14 other states. The state government said the directive was aimed at preventing loss of lives and property.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the directive in a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab urged residents in vulnerable communities not to wait until floodwaters begin rising before taking precautionary measures, stressing that early relocation could help reduce the risk to lives and property.
“We are urging Lagosians, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, not to take this warning lightly. When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” the commissioner said.
Among the areas identified as vulnerable are parts of Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
The government also placed several communities downstream of the Isheri Olofin area on heightened alert. They include Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi.
Wahab specifically warned communities located along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise greater caution because rainfall upstream and rising water levels could increase the risk of flooding in downstream areas.
He said the state government had intensified monitoring of riverine, low-lying and other flood-prone communities in response to the NiHSA advisory.
The commissioner also advised residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other bodies of water to monitor official forecasts and be prepared to relocate temporarily if flooding becomes imminent.
According to the NiHSA warning, rising river levels could affect vulnerable communities and critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
The Federal agency had earlier identified Lagos among 15 states facing high riverine flood risks between September 19 and 25. The other affected states are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
Lagos traditionally experiences another phase of intense rainfall around September, with increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences contributing to the state’s flood risk, particularly in low-lying and coastal communities.
The state government consequently urged residents to take the latest warning seriously and cooperate with emergency officials and community leaders.
Wahab also called on residents to avoid indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage infrastructure could worsen flooding.
Residents were further advised to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and areas with fast-moving water.
The commissioner said local governments, emergency management agencies and community leaders should activate early-warning and response mechanisms to protect vulnerable residents.
He urged residents to move people, livestock and valuable possessions to safer locations where necessary and remain in safer areas until the period of heightened flood risk had passed.
The state government said it would continue monitoring rainfall patterns, river levels and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies and provide updates as the situation evolves.
