Dare Babalola
Due to the risk of severe flooding, the Lagos State Government has warned residents in low-lying areas of Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle to relocate to higher ground.
The message was passed through the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an interview on Channels Television.
The warning comes after heavy rainfall between Sunday night and Monday evening left parts of the state submerged. Viral videos showed flooded homes, vehicles, and impassable roads across several communities, disrupting commercial and social activities.
He said, “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.”
In addition, Wahab said other areas such as Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja are expected to remain safe. Residents in Isheri, within the OPIC axis of the state, were also urged to stay alert.
Wahab explained that Lagos, as a coastal city, is vulnerable to climate change and is expected to experience flash flooding this year. He cited projections by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which forecast heavier rainfall in Lagos in 2025 compared to previous years.
“For those who stay in the lowland of Lagos, they have to move to the upland pending when the rain recedes,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Wahab urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government is actively clearing drainage systems and expanding flood channels to manage the situation.
