Severe flooding swept through several communities in Lagos State on Tuesday after hours of heavy rainfall submerged homes, inundated major roads and disrupted electricity supply in parts of the state.

Residents in areas including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ajah, Ikeja, Evans, Olushi, Anikantamo and Adeniji Adele were left stranded as floodwaters overwhelmed drainage systems, forcing commuters to wade through waterlogged streets while motorists struggled to navigate submerged roads.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents moving through flooded streets, with some roads rendered impassable by rising water levels.

In Ikeja, floodwaters reportedly entered homes and business premises, prompting some residents to temporarily relocate for safety. Residents blamed the recurring flooding on blocked drainage channels, poor road design and indiscriminate refuse disposal.

A resident, Abidemi Raji, alleged that a drainage channel linking parts of the community had been obstructed following nearby construction activities, worsening the flooding situation.

The downpour also affected FESTAC in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where roads and inner streets were submerged, disrupting movement and economic activities.

The flooding triggered electricity outages in several communities after floodwaters affected facilities at the Oworo 132/33kV Transmission Station. In a public notice, Ikeja Electric said severe flooding damaged two power transformers and several 33kV feeders, disrupting supply to areas including Bariga, Gbagada, Oworo, Pedro, Alapere, Agboyi and surrounding communities.

The company said it was working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to restore power as soon as repairs were completed.

The impact of the heavy rainfall extended into neighbouring Ogun State, where residents of Gloryland Estate in Ibafo appealed for urgent government intervention, saying annual flooding had damaged buildings, disrupted transportation and exposed residents to health risks.

Reacting to the development, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the rainfall as an extreme weather event that temporarily overwhelmed existing drainage infrastructure.

He disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state as part of measures to improve flood control and reduce the impact of future downpours.

Wahab noted that Lagos’ coastal geography, characterised by lagoons, rivers and tidal water bodies, often slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea during high tides, making temporary flooding likely during periods of intense rainfall.

He urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels, avoid illegal reclamation of wetlands and comply with environmental regulations designed to reduce flooding.

The commissioner also advised motorists to stay away from flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents in vulnerable communities to adhere to weather advisories and safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

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The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger collaboration among governments, developers, investors and built environment professionals to address the growing impact of climate change on housing and infrastructure across the country.

In a statement marking the 2026 World Environment Day, themed “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” REDAN warned that Nigeria is already experiencing severe environmental challenges, including flooding, drought, desertification, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss.

The association said these environmental disruptions pose significant threats to communities, livelihoods and economic development, underscoring the need for urgent and coordinated action.

Speaking through its President, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, REDAN described climate change as a present-day reality that requires all stakeholders in the housing and construction sectors to embrace sustainable solutions.

According to the association, every flood-ravaged community, erosion-threatened settlement and environmentally degraded neighbourhood highlights the need for the built environment sector to become part of the climate solution.

REDAN stressed that housing development and climate action must go hand in hand, noting that the future of Nigeria’s urban centres depends on resilient and sustainable planning.

The association said its response to climate challenges is guided by its core values of Advocacy, Transparency, Innovation, Professionalism and Sustainability (ATIPS), which it believes should shape decision-making across the real estate value chain.

It called for stronger policies and regulatory frameworks that promote climate-resilient housing, sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, responsible land administration and environmental stewardship.

REDAN also urged industry operators to adopt Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles to improve transparency, attract responsible investments and enhance public confidence in the real estate sector.

The association advocated the use of climate-smart construction technologies, renewable energy systems, sustainable building materials, water conservation practices, waste reduction strategies and smart-city concepts to improve housing delivery and environmental performance.

It further emphasised the importance of professionalism and strict compliance with environmental standards in planning, design, construction and property management.

According to REDAN, housing development must strike a balance between economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion to ensure communities remain safe, affordable and resilient.

As part of its sustainability agenda, the association highlighted the launch of the Africa ESG Conference and Exhibition in 2025, describing it as a platform for promoting responsible investment and sustainable development across Africa’s housing and real estate sectors.

REDAN invited stakeholders to participate in the 2026 edition of the conference, expressing confidence that it would deepen collaboration, encourage innovation and strengthen collective efforts towards building a more sustainable built environment.

The association also called on federal and state governments, legislators, financial institutions, developers, construction firms, architects, engineers, planners, surveyors, building material manufacturers, development partners and academic institutions to work together in creating climate-resilient communities.

“The climate signals are clear, but so are the solutions. Nature itself is showing us the way forward. The future belongs to greener cities, smarter buildings, resilient communities and sustainable economies,” the association stated.

REDAN reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government agencies, private sector operators, development organisations and communities to ensure that housing development contributes to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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Environmental and public health experts have warned that Nigeria may face increased flood risks to housing and critical infrastructure in 2026 as climate change continues to disrupt traditional rainfall patterns.

The warning follows reports of off-season rainfall recorded in parts of Lagos, Ogun, and other states in January and early February 2026 — a period usually characterised by dry weather. Experts say the development is an early signal of more intense and unpredictable rains later in the year, with serious implications for homes, drainage systems, and urban planning.

Speaking on the emerging trend, the Director of Environmental Service at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Ahoton James, said the unusual rainfall points to growing climate instability that could worsen flooding across residential communities.

According to him, climate change has weakened Nigeria’s ability to predict weather conditions accurately, allowing rainfall to occur outside its traditional season.

Rainfall now falls at unexpected times

James explained that changes in global temperature have altered long-standing climate cycles, making rainfall less predictable and more intense.

He noted that the harmattan period expected in December 2025 and January 2026 was largely absent, while rainfall occurred during months that were previously dry.

“Rain can now fall at any time. The harmattan we experienced only lasted for a few hours before disappearing. These are clear signs that climate change is already affecting us,” he said.

He added that heavier rainfall during unusual periods increases the risk of flash floods, especially in densely populated areas with weak drainage systems.

Housing and infrastructure at risk

Experts warned that the expected rainfall pattern poses a major threat to housing, particularly in low-lying communities, informal settlements, and flood-prone urban areas.

James said prolonged and intense rainfall could overwhelm drainage channels, weaken building foundations, and lead to property losses if proactive measures are not taken.

“With unusual rains, we should also expect unusual heat. Both extremes can happen together, and that combination puts pressure on housing structures and urban infrastructure,” he said.

He noted that flooding is no longer a question of “if” but “when,” urging governments and individuals to prioritise preparedness and resilience.

Unpredictable weather complicates planning

James also highlighted how unpredictable weather patterns have affected forecasting by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, noting that weather outcomes often differ from predictions due to rapid climate shifts.

He said early rainfall and rising temperatures are warning signs that should prompt immediate action from authorities responsible for housing, environment, and disaster management.

“These signs are already here. The heavy rains we experienced early this year are early warnings that we must prepare for more severe flooding,” he added.

Public health implications

A public health physician, Prof Adebayo Onajole, warned that flooding linked to unusual rainfall could trigger disease outbreaks and worsen living conditions in affected communities.

According to him, increased rainfall creates stagnant water bodies that promote the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, while rising temperatures accelerate disease transmission.

“When rainfall increases, disease occurrence usually rises. Flooding also damages homes, displaces families, and creates overcrowded shelters, which further threatens public health,” Onajole said.

He urged the government to integrate climate risks into housing and urban development policies to protect lives and property.

Call for improved drainage and preparedness

The President of the Africa Environmental Health Organisation, Afolabi Abiodun, called on governments at all levels to strengthen emergency response systems and invest in drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risks.

He stressed the need for improved maintenance of drainage channels, rivers, and waterways, noting that blocked drains worsen flooding during heavy rainfall.

“Flooding has become more frequent, and response has often been inadequate. What we need is preparedness, clear emergency plans, proactive infrastructure maintenance, and timely intervention,” Abiodun said.

He also urged residents to stop dumping waste in drainage channels, warning that human activities often worsen flood disasters.

As climate change continues to reshape Nigeria’s weather patterns, experts say safeguarding housing and infrastructure will require coordinated action, improved urban planning, and early preparedness to reduce the impact of looming floods.

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Fresh controversy has erupted over alleged violations of Abuja’s master plan following claims that a designated green area in Maitama Extension has been allocated for residential development.

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, accused the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under Minister Nyesom Wike, of approving the construction of about 20 duplexes on protected green land meant for environmental conservation.

Adeyanju alleged that the developers, after realising the estate had no approved access road, resorted to converting a natural canal into a roadway, a move he warned could trigger severe flooding and environmental damage.

In a statement shared with The Whistler on Friday, Adeyanju described the situation as an environmental disaster waiting to happen, particularly during the rainy season.

“I have just discovered that about 20 duplexes are being constructed on a designated green area in Maitama Extension,” he said.

“More alarming is the fact that the developers have now realised there is no access road to the estate and have resorted to converting a canal into a road.”

He warned that blocking or altering a natural water channel could expose residents of Maitama Extension to devastating floods.

“How do you fence off a green area and then proceed to turn a natural water channel into a road, all in the name of greed?” Adeyanju asked.

He further questioned how the project received approval from Development Control, describing the development as a clear distortion of the Abuja Master Plan.

“This is a blatant violation of the Abuja Master Plan. Wike allocated a green area to someone to build residential houses on it,” he alleged.

The Maitama Extension controversy adds to growing public criticism surrounding land allocations under the current FCT administration.

In recent months, several reports have accused the FCT minister of allocating prime land in high-value districts of Abuja to political associates and linked entities, sparking allegations of nepotism and abuse of office.

However, Wike’s camp has consistently denied the claims. His media aide, Lere Olayinka, previously dismissed the allegations as politically motivated blackmail, insisting that no land was allocated to the minister’s children or cronies.

Olayinka also challenged critics to provide verifiable evidence, noting that some of the land size figures being circulated were unrealistic.

Wike has maintained that land revocations and reallocations under his administration were carried out in accordance with the law, as part of efforts to restore order to Abuja’s land administration system.

Nonetheless, Adeyanju warned that allowing residential construction on green areas and waterways could further erode public trust in urban planning authorities and expose residents to avoidable environmental risks.

When contacted for comment, Olayinka said he was out of the country and unable to obtain detailed information due to the ongoing strike affecting FCTA workers.

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The Federal Government has announced plans to raise ₦500 billion through the issuance of green bonds in 2026, as part of efforts to expand funding for climate-related and environmental projects across the country.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, disclosed this in a post on his verified X handle following Nigeria’s participation at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

According to Lawal, the proposed green bond issuance reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening climate financing mechanisms while reducing dependence on oil revenues and conventional borrowing for development funding.

He explained that proceeds from the ₦500 billion green bond would be deployed to support projects focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental protection, renewable energy development, sustainable agriculture and other environmentally friendly initiatives aligned with Nigeria’s climate objectives.

The minister noted that the planned issuance underscores Nigeria’s growing reliance on climate-linked debt instruments to mobilise long-term capital for sustainable development, while also attracting investors with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) interests.

Nigeria has previously issued green bonds to finance eco-friendly projects, positioning the instrument as a critical component of its broader strategy to meet international climate commitments and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Federal Government believes that scaling up green bond financing will enhance environmental resilience, promote sustainable economic diversification and support inclusive growth, while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in climate action within Africa.

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As Lagos continues to grapple with environmental challenges linked to rapid urbanisation, residents across the state have raised alarm over the city’s deteriorating air quality largely caused by indiscriminate waste burning, vehicle emissions, and poor sanitation practices.

In separate interviews with our source, residents from Ikorodu to Alagbado described how fumes from refuse fires, exhaust pipes, and industrial discharges now hang constantly in the air, posing serious health risks and environmental hazards.

A civil servant in Ikorodu, Mrs Itunu Dada, said that most residents prefer to burn waste instead of engaging licensed waste collectors. “When you go outside, you see smoke everywhere.

It causes cough, chest pain, and irritation. Around the markets, heaps of refuse on road medians emit offensive odours. It’s terrible,” she said.

Dada urged the Lagos State Government to enforce stricter sanitation laws and increase the frequency of waste evacuation.

“Those clearing drains often leave waste piled up for weeks. When it rains, it all washes back into the drainage. We need a task force to stop illegal dumping and burning,” she added.

In Alimosho, Mrs Stella Lawrence, a teacher, said air pollution has become part of daily life. “Many commercial vehicles emit thick black fumes because they’re not roadworthy. Generator use also makes it worse. The government should phase out unfit vehicles and improve power supply to reduce generator dependence,” she said.

Similarly, Miss Chioma Ndukwe, a communications expert in Okota, said the air in densely populated areas like Oshodi has become unbearable.

“Walking through Oshodi Market feels like choking — between exhaust fumes, burning waste, and poor sanitation, breathing clean air is a struggle,” she noted.

Ndukwe called for stricter vehicle emission checks, industrial regulation, and better public sanitation. “Everyone deserves to breathe clean air in Lagos,” she said.

In Lekki, Mr Bruno Ajede, a businessman, said though the area is relatively cleaner, fumes from vehicles remain a major issue.

“Air pollution causes respiratory problems like asthma. It’s a serious public health threat,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Ajibola Ajayi, a marketer in Alagbado, said vehicular pollution in his community remains unchecked. “Many cars here emit heavy smoke, yet no one monitors them,” he complained.

Reacting, Mr Friday Oku, President of the Association of Wastepickers of Lagos, linked the problem to Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels.

“Our continued reliance on petrol and diesel is harming both health and the environment. We must embrace renewable energy and cleaner alternatives like CNG,” he said.

Oku criticised inconsistent government policies, including the recent ban on “cart pushers,” saying such actions worsen emissions. “Replacing carts with tricycles only adds to pollution. It shows poor policy direction,” he stated.

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, said it remains committed to improving air quality under its Blue and Green Economy Initiative and Air Quality Monitoring Network.

The state has also deployed mobile sensors to monitor pollution levels and enforce compliance among industries and transport operators.

However, environmental advocates argue that without stronger law enforcement and public behavioural change, Lagos’ ambition for clean air will remain far from reality.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources plans to meet with Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators to tackle the city’s worsening waste management problems.

Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab said the move aims to strengthen collaboration with local councils on waste, drainage, and environmental enforcement. He noted that some PSP operators have failed to meet collection standards.

“We’ll identify gaps and work with councils at the grassroots to fix them,” Wahab said.

He also warned against illegal land reclamation, stressing that only projects with drainage clearance and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be allowed.

Meanwhile, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) arrested several residents in Akesan, Alimosho, for dumping refuse illegally. They were taken to the Task Force Office in Oshodi for prosecution.

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The Lagos State Government has cautioned property buyers to verify land documents before making purchases, following the demolition of 17 illegal buildings along the Lekki–Epe corridor.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during a joint inspection with the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and other top officials on Saturday.

Wahab said the enforcement drive aimed to protect wetlands, restore natural drainage, and secure the right of way for the forthcoming Green Line Rail Project.

“Our findings revealed that several automobile dealers, who were previously granted temporary approval to operate on designated sites, have brazenly exceeded their allocated boundaries. Not only have they encroached upon wetlands, but some have also erected permanent structures directly under power lines. This is a clear violation of their permits and a direct assault on our master plan,” Wahab said in a post on X.

He warned that the destruction of wetlands would worsen flooding, stressing that “Wetlands are not wastelands. They are nature’s sponge, designed to hold excess water during heavy rains.”

The commissioner added that the state, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation, had begun clearing illegal developments and relocating affected car dealers to approved areas.

“The Green Line is a legacy project that will commence soon, and we will not allow the selfish interests of a few to compromise the mobility and environmental safety of millions of Lagosians,” he said.

Wahab also ordered the sealing of illegal reclamation works at the Ikota River, where developers allegedly narrowed the river channel for real estate construction.

“It is heart-wrenching that individuals would deliberately destroy a critical river ecosystem for illicit real estate ventures,” he said. “Members of the public are hereby advised to always do their due diligence and ensure all documents are verified before buying properties.”

He confirmed that 17 contravening structures at the Ikota River in Oral Estate Extension had been removed and vowed continued enforcement until the river’s right of way is restored.

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The Lagos State Government has demolished 17 houses built on the right-of-way of the Ikota River in Lekki, warning residents against unlawful reclamation of wetlands and obstruction of natural waterways.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who led an enforcement team to the site on Saturday, said the exercise followed repeated reports of illegal developments along the river alignment. He explained that the state had earlier halted the activity, but the encroachment resumed aggressively, with attempts to sell land to unsuspecting buyers.

Wahab said the government had now taken decisive steps to clear all illegal structures and prosecute offenders, stressing that such violations worsen flooding across the state. He noted that while flooding cannot be completely prevented in a coastal city like Lagos, the government continues to invest in infrastructure to mitigate its impact through resilient drainage systems, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently maintained.

The commissioner cited property number 156, which blocked a major drainage path, adding that it would be cleared to restore the free flow of water into the Lagos Lagoon. He added that despite the government’s daily efforts to desilt and maintain drains, some individuals persist in obstructing waterways for personal gain.

Wahab said demolition was not always the first option, as developers were sometimes asked to provide practical designs for stormwater discharge at their own cost. He described it as irresponsible for the government to spend public funds correcting problems created by private developers who profit from violating environmental regulations.

During an inspection of the Lekki–Epe corridor, Wahab lamented the massive encroachment on wetlands originally designed to absorb excess rainwater. He said drone surveillance revealed extensive damage, including the destruction of coconut trees planted to stabilise the soil.

According to him, violators were issued demolition notices on September 26 ahead of planned transport infrastructure works in the area. He explained that the inspection was intended to align environmental preservation with the Ministry of Transport’s Green Line Rail project.

Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the Green Line Rail, which will run from Marina to Epe, is expected to commence in December after stakeholder consultations and feasibility studies. He noted that some car dealers who were granted temporary approval to use power-line spaces had violated terms by erecting permanent structures on wetlands. Osiyemi added that the three-year rail project forms part of Lagos State’s integrated transport solution aimed at easing mobility across the metropolis.

Other areas visited during the inspection included Chevron Gate off Orchid Road, Partibon Homes, Oral Extension Phase 2, and Park View in Ikoyi.

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The recent floods in Lekki have reignited fears about the future of Lagos’s most popular real estate hub, forcing many residents to reconsider life on the peninsula.

Mrs. Abiola Adekoya, a roasted plantain seller in Agungi, narrowly escaped death when she slipped into a manhole during the September 23 downpour. “I lost ₦50,000 meant for my business, but I thank God for life,” she said.

Across Ikota and other parts of Lekki, homes, schools, and businesses counted their losses. Malls struggled to drain floodwater, schools went virtual, and many residents were stranded for hours in traffic. “We made no sales that day; customers stayed home for fear of getting stuck,” said Segun Odunbaku, a facility manager at Ikota.

Some residents are now leaving. “I moved to Lekki to compete with my friends, but it’s not worth the stress,” said Michael Paul, who plans to relocate to the mainland. But others, like account manager Damilola Adinlewa, insist on staying. “It took me six hours to get home that night. Still, I’m not leaving Lekki. The government just needs to do more.”

Experts blame poor drainage and reckless sand-filling for worsening floods. Structural engineer Abiodun Adejare warned that continuous reclamation weakens the soil and raises collapse risks.

Lagos Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab has since suspended all reclamation projects lacking Environmental Impact Assessments, warning violators of demolition.

Flooding in Lekki, experts say, reflects a deeper crisis “, a city built below sea level but without the kind of billion-euro defences seen in flood-prone cities like Rotterdam.

Unless the Lagos government strengthens infrastructure and enforces environmental laws, many fear that life in Lekki will remain an expensive gamble.

Source: The Guardian

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