Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have narrated the hardship they endured after Thursday’s torrential rainfall submerged roads, flooded homes and disrupted movement across several parts of the state.

The affected residents called on the Lagos State Government to urgently address the recurring flooding, which they blamed on inadequate drainage infrastructure and poor maintenance of existing channels.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a resident of Ajah, Mrs. Rukayat, said floodwaters covered a long stretch of Muri Okunola Road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water to reach their destinations.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists were forced to turn back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot as the road became impassable.

She added that tricycles were the only means of transportation available in some areas, but many broke down while attempting to navigate the flooded roads.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she explained.

Rukayat said residents had repeatedly reported the flooding challenge to relevant authorities but little had been done to provide a lasting solution.

She attributed the situation to blocked drainage channels and poor water flow through a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said, adding that overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might be obstructing the channel.

In Mafoluku, residents also recounted how the heavy rainfall left streets and homes submerged, stranding many people for hours.

A resident of Agboola Street, Mrs. Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, said she was unable to return home after stepping out to purchase household items before the downpour began.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street. I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr. Mukaila Idris, described the flood as both dangerous and frightening, noting that the strong current forced some residents to seek assistance before crossing flooded areas.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could move through the floodwaters safely, while many others had to wait for hours until the water level receded.

Mr. Williams Ekpo, who resides in the Eyinogun area, said the flooding extended beyond roads and entered residential compounds, causing damage to household property.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items. This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he lamented.

The residents appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to investigate the persistent flooding and implement lasting drainage and flood-control measures to protect lives and property during the rainy season.

The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over flooding in several parts of Lagos as heavy rains continue to batter the state, raising fears of further disruptions and property losses if urgent interventions are not undertaken.

The post Lagos Flooding: Residents Stranded as Heavy Rain Submerges Ajah, Mafoluku appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Leaders of the Ibeju-Lekki Ancestral Community Foundation have expressed concerns over an alleged blocked drainage channel along a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Eleko, warning that the situation could trigger severe flooding and force residents from their ancestral communities during heavy rainfall.

The foundation, which represents more than 53 communities including Eleko, Museyo, Opo Ijebu and surrounding settlements, raised the concerns during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Eleko Town Hall on Sunday.

Residents fear that the ongoing construction activities around the coastal highway may create environmental challenges capable of affecting homes, businesses, and livelihoods across affected communities.

Investigations during a visit to the area showed that several houses and shops situated along parts of the highway corridor now sit below road level, increasing fears that heavy rainfall could result in widespread flooding.

Community representatives also pointed to a drainage channel they claimed had been obstructed during construction activities.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, community leader Chief Adebayo Agbabiaka said residents were not opposed to development projects but remained worried about the environmental consequences.

“This drainage is about nine to 10 metres wide. Even a small downpour could become disastrous. We support development, but there is concern that homes in this area may not survive major rainfall if there is no proper water passage,” he said.

Agbabiaka further alleged that the blockage of the drainage route appeared intentional and could eventually force residents to abandon their communities.

According to him, frequent flooding could gradually displace residents from ancestral lands that have existed for decades.

He also restated the communities’ opposition to the proposed 150-metre setback along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, insisting that many residents have nowhere else to relocate.

“We have appealed repeatedly that the 150-metre setback should be reconsidered. We have already given up large portions of land for national development projects and do not want our communities wiped out,” he said.

The community leader maintained that residents had made significant sacrifices over the years through land allocations for major national projects.

He listed projects including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, seaport developments and other infrastructure initiatives as examples of contributions already made by local communities.

Youth coordinator of the affected communities, Ganiyu Adewale, also rejected suggestions of relocation or compensation.

He said residents unanimously agreed that communities should remain in their ancestral lands.

“The project came to meet the communities; the communities did not come to meet the project,” Adewale said.

According to him, local communities have continuously supported development initiatives despite the environmental and social impact on residents.

He explained that people are not against development but want policies that protect indigenous communities from displacement.

The concerns follow earlier reports of anxiety among residents over an alleged plan to enforce a 150-metre setback on both sides of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

However, a source within the Federal Ministry of Works reportedly explained that markings along the corridor were carried out by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation and did not automatically indicate demolition plans.

The source reportedly stated that affected structures were marked primarily to notify residents that certain areas fall within Federal Government land boundaries.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of the Federal Government’s largest infrastructure projects. The proposed 700-kilometre road network is expected to connect Lagos to Calabar through multiple coastal states.

Despite its projected economic impact, concerns surrounding displacement, land acquisition and environmental implications continue to generate debate among affected communities and stakeholders.

The post Ibeju-Lekki Communities Warn of Flood Risk Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Puposhola community in the New Oko-Oba area of Lagos State have appealed to the state government to urgently intervene in the worsening condition of their only major access road, which they say has become a source of daily hardship.

During a visit to the area, residents described the road as heavily damaged, with deep potholes and eroded sections that make movement difficult for motorists, pedestrians, and commercial transport operators. Many said the situation has persisted for years without meaningful repairs.

According to community members, the poor road has led to rising transport fares, frequent vehicle breakdowns, and increased spending on repairs. Some residents said public buses often avoid the area entirely, forcing commuters to rely on costlier alternatives.

A resident, Amechi, said vehicle owners in the area now spend more money maintaining their cars than before due to constant damage caused by the road. He added that transport costs within the community have surged because drivers factor in repair expenses.

“The road affects everyone. If you own a car, you’re always at the mechanic. If you don’t, transport fares are high because buses don’t want to come here,” he said.

Another resident, Adetoye Adewale, noted that the situation becomes worse during the rainy season, when flooding and mud make the road nearly impassable. He said residents have repeatedly received assurances that the road would be fixed, but no visible work has begun.

“The road has been bad for many years. Each rainy season makes it worse. People struggle to walk safely, and vehicles break down often,” he explained.

Traders operating along the road also said the poor condition has affected their businesses. A shop owner, David Adeshola, said customer traffic drops significantly whenever it rains, as people avoid the area.

“When it rains, people don’t come here. When it’s dry, dust affects our goods. Business suffers either way,” he said.

Residents further expressed concerns about health challenges linked to dust from the road, especially during the dry season. Some traders said they regularly clean dust-covered goods, increasing losses.

Community members appealed to the Lagos State Government to include the road in ongoing rehabilitation projects, stressing that they pay taxes and levies like other residents across the state.

Efforts to get a response from officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Works were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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