Flooding has displaced families, disrupted schools and businesses and submerged homes and roads across parts of Rivers and Delta states following days of heavy rainfall.

In Rivers State, several communities in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area have been badly affected, with residents forced to leave their homes and seek temporary shelter in vehicles, uncompleted buildings and other locations.

For Vivian Onyeije, a mother of four from Rumusita in Eneka, Obio/Akpor, the flooding has forced her family from one temporary shelter to another.

Floodwater first entered her home and rose to waist level, forcing her to leave with her children. She moved to her shop, but the water reached there two days later.

The family then moved into an uncompleted building around the Rumopku axis, only to be forced out again after another heavy downpour submerged the surrounding area.

The family eventually resorted to sleeping in their vehicle.

Her experience reflects the situation facing several families across parts of Rivers State, where floodwaters have submerged residential areas, businesses and roads, leaving residents searching for alternative accommodation.

The Guardian reported that hundreds of families across Port Harcourt and neighbouring communities have been affected, with some residents relocating to villages because of the flooding and rising accommodation costs.

Schools forced to close

The flooding has also disrupted education in affected communities.

At Rumuakoara Community Secondary School in Nkpolu, Obio/Akpor, rising water forced teachers and students to leave the school premises.

Several schools in Rumusita along the Eneka axis were also affected, disrupting academic activities and preventing many children from attending classes.

Residents said the situation had affected both public and private schools in the area, while some churches and other community facilities also suspended activities because access had become difficult.

Businesses and public facilities affected

Businesses in areas including Nkpolu and Rumuekini have been forced to close as floodwater spread through roads and commercial areas.

Churches, mosques and other public facilities around Ozouba and Nkpolu were also affected, with some closing while others recorded reduced activities.

A wedding venue in GRA, Port Harcourt, was among facilities affected by the flooding.

The University of Port Harcourt has also experienced flooding around parts of its premises, although the institution said the water usually drains towards the Choba River after rainfall stops.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Sam Kpenu, explained that prolonged rainfall makes the situation worse because the water does not have enough time to drain away.

Several roads and communities submerged

The flooding has affected a wide range of communities and major roads across Port Harcourt and its surrounding areas.

Areas reported to have been affected include Uzoba, Rumuekini, Choba, Eneka, Stadium Road, NTA Road, Mgboba, GRA, Chokocho in Etche, Peter Odili Road, Rupokwu, Alakahia, Oyigbo, Atali, Rumuparali, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Cornerstone, Iwofe, Rumulumeni, Rumoaholi and Elikpokwu.

Several buildings have been submerged, while some structures in Rumuekini reportedly developed cracks.

Vehicles have also been stranded, with floodwater making several roads difficult or impossible to use.

The scale of the flooding has prompted some residents to compare the current situation with the devastating floods recorded in 2012.

There have also been concerns about the emergency response, with reports indicating that many displaced families had not found organised evacuation centres or Internally Displaced Persons camps at the time of the report.

In Obio/Akpor, however, the local government chairman mobilised a flood committee, which was observed desilting a canal along SARS Road following reports of the flooding.

Delta communities also badly affected

The flooding has extended beyond Rivers State, with several communities in Delta State also experiencing widespread inundation.

Heavy rainfall affected parts of Udu, Uvwie, Warri, Ughelli, Agbarho, Okpe and Ughelli South local government areas, as well as parts of Agbor in Ika South and Okpanam in Oshimili North.

In Udu, floodwater took over the popular Udu Express Junction and affected the road between Ovwian and Otor-Udu.

The Udu Bridge Road leading to Udu Express Junction and Orhuwhorun Road was also submerged, making movement difficult.

Communities including Ekete Inland, Ekete Waterside, Okpaka, Opete, Ovwian, Orhuwhorun, Odjikpata, Emadadja and Ujevwu were among the affected areas.

In Warri, residents in Ubeji, Okere, Abala Street near the Third Marine Gate of Igbudu and Okumagba Avenue were reportedly forced out of their homes.

Flooding also affected Alero Primary School and Igbudu Primary School, disrupting school activities.

Homes and businesses affected in Uvwie

Several parts of Uvwie, including Effurun, Refinery Road, Aka Avenue, Effurun GRA, Jakpa Road, Ebrumede, Ohore 1 and 2, Ugbomro, Alegbo, Alaka, Ugbolokposo, Effurun-Sapele Road, Shaguolo in Ekpan and Niger-Cat, were also affected.

Homes, shops, schools, hotels and vehicle yards were reportedly surrounded or submerged by floodwater.

Families were seen moving out of their homes while business operators attempted to protect vehicles, equipment, goods and other property from the water.

The Effurun-Agbarho section of the East-West Road was also almost completely overtaken by floodwater, further disrupting transportation between communities.

In Okuokoko, Okpe Local Government Area, several families reportedly abandoned their homes after floodwater entered residential premises.

Residents of Princess Jokoh Close, off Freshville Street, and Nehemiah Street near the Osubi-Okuokoko boundary were among those affected.

Residents linked part of the flooding to inadequate drainage infrastructure, while concerns were also raised about road and construction activities that may have affected existing water channels.

Drainage and urban planning concerns

The flooding has renewed concerns about drainage infrastructure, waste management, urban planning and the ability of communities to cope with increasingly intense rainfall.

In Rivers State, residents and environmental observers have raised concerns about blocked and poorly maintained drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal and sand-filling activities.

There have also been concerns about buildings and other developments being approved without adequate consideration of their environmental suitability.

Environmental expert Daniel Briggs said flood management should combine drainage planning and maintenance with enforcement of building regulations, protection of waterways, proper waste management and rapid emergency response.

He also noted that developers and property owners have responsibilities where construction, sand-filling or obstruction of natural waterways contributes to flooding.

The issue is not limited to Rivers and Delta. Nigeria’s 2026 flood outlook has identified thousands of communities across the country as being at risk, highlighting the wider challenge of flood preparedness and urban resilience.

Residents call for urgent intervention

Residents affected by the flooding have called for urgent government intervention, including relief materials, temporary accommodation and stronger emergency response.

A resident of Rumuekini, Blessing Friday, said many people had been displaced and were moving their belongings from one place to another without a permanent place to stay.

He called for the ecological fund to be used to assist affected communities and urged the government to provide relief materials while strengthening emergency response systems.

Another resident, Elizabeth Woke, described the situation as distressing and appealed for immediate support for displaced families.

In Rumusita, flood victim Vitalis Barile said water entered homes and destroyed property, with floodwater reaching waist level in some locations.

He said residents found fish swimming inside compounds and even kitchens as water spread through the community.

According to Barile, some residents have relocated while others are staying in uncompleted buildings because finding alternative accommodation at short notice has become difficult.

He also said the flooding had affected schools and religious activities across the community.

Another resident, Emma Friday, called for both government action and greater responsibility from residents, particularly in relation to waste disposal and the obstruction of drainage channels.

For residents across Rivers and Delta states, the immediate concerns remain the safety of families, protection of property, access to homes and businesses, and the availability of emergency assistance.

The latest flooding has also brought renewed attention to the need for better drainage systems, stronger urban planning, protection of natural waterways and long-term flood management measures in communities repeatedly affected by heavy rainfall.

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Flooding has disrupted life and economic activities in Nkpolu-Rumuigbo community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, with residents and business owners counting losses after heavy rainfall left parts of the area submerged.

The flooding affected homes, businesses, roads and other facilities, making movement difficult and forcing some residents to move their belongings to safer locations.

Several business owners in the affected areas were unable to open their shops or continue normal operations as floodwater spread across streets and commercial areas.

Residents said the situation has become a major concern as rising water continues to affect movement and daily activities in the community.

The flooding has also added pressure to communities across Port Harcourt and surrounding areas that have experienced widespread inundation following heavy rainfall.

Businesses forced to close

Businesses around Nkpolu and neighbouring communities have been particularly affected, with traders and other operators unable to access their premises.

The disruption has resulted in lost trading hours and damage to property and goods, adding to the economic burden on residents who depend on daily business activities for their livelihoods.

Similar disruptions have been reported in other parts of Rivers State, where flooding has affected commercial activities, schools, religious centres and residential areas.

Homes and residents affected

For residents living in low-lying parts of the affected communities, the floodwater has made it difficult to remain in their homes.

Some residents have had to move valuable belongings to higher locations or leave flooded buildings altogether.

Reports from other affected communities in Rivers State described residents attempting to rescue household items from rising water, while some families were forced to seek temporary shelter elsewhere.

The flooding has also affected schools and other community facilities. In Nkpolu, rising water forced activities at Rumuakoara Community Secondary School to be disrupted, while schools in other affected communities also experienced difficulties.

Religious activities have equally been affected in some locations, with churches and other public facilities recording reduced activities or shutting down because residents could no longer move freely through flooded areas.

Roads and movement disrupted

Flooding has continued to affect movement along several roads and communities in and around Port Harcourt.

Areas reported to have experienced flooding include Nkpolu, Rumuigbo, Rumuekini, Ozouba, Choba, Eneka, NTA Road, Stadium Road, Mgboba, GRA, Peter Odili Road, Rupokwu, Alakahia, Oyigbo, Atali, Rumulumeni, Rumoaholi and other communities.

Some roads became difficult or impossible to navigate, leaving motorists and pedestrians stranded and disrupting access to homes and businesses.

The recurring flooding has also renewed concerns about drainage, road infrastructure and the ability of existing urban infrastructure to cope with heavy rainfall.

Growing concern over recurring flooding

Flooding has become a recurring challenge in several parts of Port Harcourt, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.

Earlier reports on the Nkpolu-Rumuigbo axis have also highlighted the condition of Obi Wali Road, where flooding has previously disrupted businesses and movement between Rumuigbo Junction and Nkpolu Junction.

Residents and traders in the area have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of flooding on businesses and transportation.

The latest incident has again drawn attention to the need for effective drainage systems, functioning roads and stronger flood management measures in vulnerable communities.

For residents and business owners affected by the latest flooding, the immediate concern remains the recovery of damaged property and goods, restoration of access and measures to prevent similar losses when heavy rainfall returns.

With flooding affecting several communities across Rivers State, the situation continues to highlight the challenges facing urban areas where drainage and road infrastructure have struggled to cope with intense rainfall.

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The Federal Government is seeking $1.5 billion in proposed financing from the World Bank for climate resilience, early childhood development and social protection.

The proposed financing comprises three separate $500 million International Development Association (IDA) credits, according to documents cited in the report.

The facilities are at different stages of preparation and are therefore not yet approved loans.

$500m for Climate Resilience

The first proposed facility is an additional $500 million for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

The World Bank is scheduled to consider the proposed financing on October 29, 2026.

If approved, the additional credit would increase total World Bank financing for ACReSAL from $700 million to $1.2 billion.

The proposed additional financing includes $310 million for dryland management, $165 million for community climate resilience and $25 million for institutional strengthening and project management.

The programme covers 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on land degradation, water insecurity, climate vulnerability and agricultural productivity.

$500m Early Childhood Development Programme

Another proposed $500 million IDA credit is for Nigeria’s Early Childhood Development programme.

The programme is designed to expand access to integrated services for children aged zero to five and their caregivers across all 36 states and the FCT.

It will cover areas including health, nutrition, early learning and childcare.

According to the figures cited in the project documents, 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, while fewer than half are developmentally on track.

Only 36 per cent of children aged between 36 and 59 months reportedly attend organised early learning.

The proposed facility is currently scheduled for World Bank board consideration on March 15, 2027.

Another $500m for Social Protection

The third proposed facility is the $500 million Household Prosperity and Empowerment – Social Protection Project, known as HOPE-SP.

The programme is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s social assistance system for poor and vulnerable households.

It would support targeted conditional and unconditional cash transfers, strengthen social protection institutions and gradually increase financing from federal and state government budgets.

The proposed facility is scheduled for board consideration on March 16, 2027.

Nigeria’s Debt Position

The proposed $1.5 billion financing comes as Nigeria’s public debt continues to attract attention.

The Debt Management Office reported that Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N166.79 trillion as of June 30, 2026. The DMO published the latest debt figure on September 25, 2026. 

The three World Bank facilities remain proposals at this stage. If approved on their currently scheduled dates, they would add $1.5 billion to Nigeria’s World Bank financing pipeline.

The World Bank’s current country financing database shows Nigeria had 215 projects and total commitment amounts of about $45.06 billion as of August 31, 2026. 

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Persistent rainfall across Lagos has left residents grappling with flooded highways, severe traffic congestion, and rising transportation costs, forcing many commuters, traders, and business owners to adjust their daily routines to cope with the prolonged rainy season. The worsening conditions have highlighted the growing need for improved urban drainage systems and resilient transport infrastructure.

Many commuters now leave their homes before dawn to avoid hours of gridlock caused by flooded roads. Others rely on weather forecasts, navigation apps, raincoats, and waterproof gear to minimise disruptions to their daily activities. Residents also report that commercial transport fares often increase significantly whenever heavy rainfall occurs, placing additional financial pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Motorists say prolonged traffic congestion during rainfall has increased fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs, while public transport users complain that transport fares frequently surge during periods of flooding. For many workers, the rainy season has become a daily challenge requiring careful planning and additional expenses to reach workplaces on time.

Traders across several markets in Lagos say the rainy season presents both opportunities and challenges. While sellers of umbrellas and raincoats have experienced higher demand, many market operators report reduced customer traffic, damaged goods, and lost income whenever heavy rainfall and flooding discourage shoppers from visiting markets.

The situation aligns with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)‘s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, which forecasts a longer-than-normal rainy season for Lagos. Experts say the recurring floods underscore the need for improved drainage infrastructure, regular desilting of waterways, stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations, and greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce the economic and environmental impact of flooding.

Urban planning experts note that addressing flooding in Lagos will require coordinated investments in stormwater management, road infrastructure, and sustainable city planning. They argue that strengthening drainage networks and preventing the obstruction of waterways will improve mobility, reduce transport costs, and enhance the city’s resilience to extreme weather events

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Stakeholders in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector have endorsed the Federal Government’s renewed partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), describing the collaboration as a significant step towards addressing rapid urbanisation, expanding access to affordable housing, and promoting sustainable city development.

The experts noted that Nigeria’s urban population continues to grow as more people migrate to cities in search of employment and better living conditions. They warned that without strategic planning and sustained investment in infrastructure, housing, and public services, cities will face increasing pressure from traffic congestion, inadequate housing, informal settlements, and overstretched social amenities.

A property developer, Chief Anthony Izuagbe, urged governments to adopt proactive planning by expanding infrastructure ahead of population growth rather than reacting after existing facilities become overwhelmed. He stressed that anticipating future demand is essential for building resilient and liveable cities.

Similarly, retired infrastructure professional Mrs. Chinonye Onyekoji highlighted the need for long-term urban planning, particularly in Lagos and other rapidly growing cities. She said strategic investments in transportation, housing, and public infrastructure are necessary to accommodate population growth and improve residents’ quality of life.

The endorsement follows a meeting between the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, and the UN-Habitat Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, during which both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on sustainable urban planning, affordable housing delivery, climate resilience, slum upgrading, institutional capacity building, and the implementation of Nigeria’s National Urban Development Policy.

The minister described urban renewal as a key driver of economic growth, improved security, and better living standards. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration with UN-Habitat would provide Nigeria with technical expertise, global best practices, and stronger development partnerships needed to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.

Urban development experts believe that strengthening the partnership between the Federal Government and UN-Habitat will accelerate housing delivery, improve urban governance, enhance land-use planning, and support climate-resilient infrastructure capable of meeting the needs of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding urban population.

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The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has issued a flood risk alert to residents of Gwagwalada, Mabushi, Lokogoma, and other vulnerable communities in Abuja, urging them to take precautionary measures as heavy rainfall continues across the Federal Capital Territory. The agency warned that persistent downpours could trigger flash floods, property damage, and disruption to transportation if residents fail to heed safety advisories.

According to FEMD, the affected communities are among areas identified as being susceptible to flooding due to poor drainage systems, blocked waterways, rapid urban development, and increased rainfall intensity during the peak of the rainy season. The agency advised residents living in flood-prone locations to remain vigilant and monitor official weather and emergency updates.

The department urged residents not to dump refuse into drainage channels, stressing that blocked drains significantly increase the risk of urban flooding. It also advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, as water levels can rise rapidly and pose serious safety risks.

FEMD said it is working closely with relevant agencies, including the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and emergency response organisations to monitor weather conditions and coordinate disaster response where necessary. Emergency teams have also been placed on alert to respond swiftly to incidents resulting from heavy rainfall.

The agency encouraged community leaders and residents to report blocked drainage channels, flooding incidents, and other emergencies promptly to ensure quick intervention. It further called on developers and property owners to comply with approved planning regulations and avoid construction activities that obstruct natural waterways.

Experts note that improving urban drainage infrastructure, enforcing development control regulations, and increasing public awareness are critical to reducing the impact of seasonal flooding in rapidly growing urban centres such as Abuja. They also urged continuous investment in flood management infrastructure and climate resilience measures to protect lives, property, and critical public assets.

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The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has commissioned a series of development projects aimed at strengthening climate resilience, promoting peace, restoring livelihoods and supporting internally displaced persons across the state.

The projects include 152 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs), a Climate Peace Hub, a rehabilitated cattle market and a solar mini-grid energy system designed to expand access to clean and reliable electricity.

The interventions were unveiled during a commissioning ceremony attended by government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, private sector representatives and members of the media.

Speaking at the event, Governor Dikko Umar Radda reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with development partners to address insecurity, climate challenges and economic vulnerability.

“Katsina State stands ready to deepen that partnership. We will continue to work hand in hand with UNDP, GIZ, the Norwegian Government and every partner committed to human dignity to address the underlying drivers of insecurity, expand livelihoods, build climate resilience and empower our women and youth,” the governor said.

The projects are being implemented under UNDP’s integrated development framework, which combines peacebuilding, climate resilience, governance, energy access and economic recovery initiatives to deliver sustainable development outcomes.

The Mass Housing Project, delivered under the Prevention Facility Project, provides permanent housing solutions for vulnerable and conflict-affected families, helping to improve living conditions and support community recovery.

Speaking during the commissioning, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Elsie G. Attafuah, said the investments were designed to address the root causes of instability while creating opportunities for affected communities.

“The 152 housing units provide more than shelter. They provide dignity, stability and a place that families can once again call home. The rehabilitated cattle market and veterinary clinic help restore livelihoods and support local economic activity,” she said.

Attafuah added that the Climate Peace Hub would serve as a platform for climate-security coordination, conflict prevention, early warning systems and community engagement.

According to her, the facility will also provide women and youths with opportunities to acquire green skills in renewable energy and climate-smart solutions, preparing them for emerging opportunities in the green economy.

The initiative is supported by the governments of Germany and Norway, which have partnered with UNDP to advance climate security and resilience-building programmes in Northwest Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, Annett Günther commended the Katsina State Government for its commitment to sustainable development and resilience-building efforts.

The solar mini-grid project, implemented under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) programme, is expected to provide electricity to homes, schools, healthcare facilities and businesses in underserved communities.

Representing the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Bala Tyoden said the initiative would enhance economic activities and improve living standards in beneficiary communities.

He noted that the Africa Minigrid Programme demonstrates how clean energy can support businesses, create jobs and improve quality of life while promoting climate-resilient development.

The Katsina State Government and its partners expressed optimism that the integrated investments would strengthen social cohesion, improve livelihoods and create sustainable pathways for peace and prosperity across the state.

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Experts from the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) have called for immediate intervention in high-risk, flood-prone communities in Lagos to avert large-scale damage to lives, homes and infrastructure.

The warning was issued during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on the Ajegunle-Ikorodu Action Research on Climate Resilience held at the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Lagos at Growing Risk

Speaking at the forum, CHSD Co-Director and Action Research for Climate Resilience Lead, Peter Elias, revealed that precipitation levels in Lagos are projected to double by 2050. He cautioned that without proactive adaptation measures, rising sea levels could leave nearly 50 per cent of the city underwater by 2100.

Elias explained that while climate change is a global phenomenon that cannot be entirely eliminated, its impacts can be mitigated through forward-looking urban planning and resilient infrastructure.

According to him, vulnerable communities—particularly informal settlements along lagoon and ocean frontiers—face the greatest threat. He noted that Ajegunle-Ikorodu was selected for the research because of its low-lying coastal terrain and escalating rainfall patterns.

“Flooding in the area is not solely linked to rainfall or dam releases but also to ocean surges caused by backflow from the Atlantic Ocean,” Elias said.

44,000 Residents Exposed

The study found that more than 44,000 residents and over 6,000 buildings in Ajegunle-Ikorodu are exposed to flood risks, with the most vulnerable zones located in the lowest-lying sections of the community.

Elias added that rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage systems and indiscriminate waste disposal have compounded the problem, placing homes, businesses and public infrastructure under increasing strain.

He warned that existing infrastructure design standards are insufficient to withstand projected future climate conditions. Local drainage systems currently built for five- to 10-year storm events, he said, must be upgraded to accommodate 25-year storms under RCP 4.5 and 50-year storms under RCP 8.5 climate scenarios.

“Major drainage channels should be expanded to handle 50- to 100-year design capacity. Roads and culverts require additional freeboard of between 0.5 and 1.0 metres, while critical facilities such as schools and markets must be elevated above projected flood levels,” he stated.

Global Relevance of Local Action

The City Manager of ACRC, Temilade Sesan, highlighted the global importance of the initiative, noting that Lagos is contributing significantly to international discussions on climate-smart urban transformation.

She explained that ACRC adopts a long-term theory-of-change approach, defining future goals and working backwards to determine the steps required today to achieve resilient outcomes.

Council Backs Research-Driven Solutions

Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Adetola Abubakar, described flooding and other climate-related challenges in the area as serious but surmountable.

She commended CHSD and ACRC for pursuing sustainable, research-based interventions and assured stakeholders of the council’s readiness to support implementation of recommended strategies.

Abubakar noted that Agboyi-Ketu is uniquely vulnerable due to its riverine and island geography. The Agboyi I, II and III communities sit within the Lagos Lagoon, while Ajegunle lies along interconnected creeks, increasing exposure to tidal surges and heavy rainfall events.

Toward a Resilient Future

Founding Director of CHSD, Timothy Nubi, described Ajegunle-Ikorodu as highly vulnerable to climate hazards and emphasised that collaboration between research institutions and local authorities is essential to building resilience.

He said the partnership aims to deliver practical, community-based strategies that address both immediate flooding challenges and long-term sustainability.

A community representative, Olawale Oyeneye, who has participated in the research since June 2025, praised the inclusive data-gathering process. He said residents’ involvement has helped identify additional community needs, including improved schools and 24-hour healthcare services.

As climate threats intensify, experts at the forum stressed that timely intervention, infrastructure upgrades and coordinated planning are critical to safeguarding Lagos’ coastal communities and ensuring the city’s long-term resilience.

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Festac Town, once hailed as one of Africa’s largest and most organized estates when it opened in 1977, is facing a serious environmental threat. Original buffer zones designed to mitigate flooding, absorb wastewater, and provide greenery are now heavily encroached by commercial shops, mosques, mechanic workshops, petrol stations, and markets. Residents and environmentalists are warning that the estate is now at risk of flooding, pollution, and structural damage.

Pa Isibor Ehimen, who lived in Festac as a young artist, recalls the estate’s glory days. “I have never seen such beauty and organized living anywhere else in Nigeria,” he said. But today, the estate’s original charm has faded, with shanties and makeshift structures replacing the carefully planned residential areas.

Buffer zones, initially designed as windbreakers and environmental safeguards, have been drastically compromised. “Before, you could not see neighboring areas from Festac because the trees in the buffer zones offered full coverage,” said Ademola Onitiri, a concerned resident. “Now, those zones are filled with buildings, motor parks, and markets. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

Residents report that drainage systems are blocked by construction along the buffer zones, leading to frequent flooding even during minor rains. “We have dug the drainages countless times, yet water still accumulates because these structures disrupt the flow,” said Chimezie Agumbah. The encroachment not only threatens flood control but also undermines the ecosystem, as the green zones help filter air, absorb carbon dioxide, and maintain a balance within the urban environment.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA), tasked with regulating construction in Festac Town, has taken some action in the past. During the tenure of former MD Gbenga Ashafa, over 500 illegal shops were demolished. However, residents say the current FHA leadership under Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, appointed in February 2024, has done little to prevent further encroachments. “Illegal structures continue to sprout despite assurances,” said Yakubu Inuwa, a resident and immigration officer.

Environmentalists warn that the loss of buffer zones increases vulnerability to extreme weather events. “Festac will be submerged by flood if these green zones are gone,” said Abidemi Olayemi, an agronomist. Esther Obeya, an environmentalist based in Abuja, noted that improper waste and rainwater management could accelerate soil erosion, building collapse, and health hazards.

Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, where Festac Town is located, has raised concerns with the FHA about the encroachments, but residents report that responses are slow. Road rehabilitation projects on 2nd and 7th Avenue are expected to improve traffic flow and mobility, yet the effectiveness will depend on clearing buffer zones of illegal constructions.

Residents urge the government to take immediate measures, including continued demolition of unauthorized structures, enforcement of the master plan, and restoration of green spaces. “The buffer zones are essential not only for flood control but also for preserving Festac Town’s status as one of Africa’s largest planned estates,” said Esther Obeya.

Without decisive action, experts warn that Festac Town faces compounded environmental risks, including flooding, pollution, and infrastructure collapse. Residents, urban planners, and environmentalists continue to call on the FHA and Lagos State government to act before the estate suffers irreversible damage.

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Nigeria has taken a major step toward combating the country’s recurring flood disasters with the launch of a $500 million fundraising campaign dedicated to building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.

The initiative—Global Flood Disaster Management Project (GFDMP)—was unveiled by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in collaboration with key national and international partners, under the theme “Stay Afloat.”

At the launch, the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described flooding as a growing global threat that disrupts livelihoods, undermines food production, destroys infrastructure, and deepens poverty across Nigeria.

He explained that climate change continues to intensify the scale and frequency of the disasters.

Kyari noted that the GFDMP will introduce modern hydrological tools, real-time monitoring systems, and digital alert mechanisms that allow at-risk communities to prepare before floods strike.

He added that the project will also invest in resilient infrastructure such as improved drainage systems, river embankments, wetland rehabilitation, and climate-smart urban planning.

NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed stressed that flood figures represent real people whose lives and livelihoods have been altered by displacement and loss. He explained that preparedness remains far cheaper and more humane than emergency response after disasters occur.

Mohammed said the initiative aligns with the National Flood Emergency Preparedness Framework and supports the government’s wider climate-resilience agenda.

He called for shared responsibility, noting that long-term protection requires sustained investment from government, the private sector, development partners, and philanthropic institutions.

Chairman of the House Committee on Hydrological Services, Dr. Pascal Agbodike, pledged strong legislative backing for the initiative, while NIHSA Board Chairman, Prof. Salihu Mustapha, emphasized that every Nigerian has a role in flood prevention, from community vigilance to responsible construction and land use.

With many states still recovering from this year’s floods, the newly launched fund provides a critical opportunity to reduce future losses and strengthen national resilience.

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