The state government identified several communities at risk and urged residents to move to higher ground before floodwaters rise.

Lagos Issues Urgent Flood Warning

The Lagos State Government has directed residents in low-lying and flood-prone communities to relocate to safer, higher ground following a seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).

The alert covers September 19 to 25, 2026, and affects Lagos and 14 other states.

Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the directive in a statement on Monday, urging residents to take the warning seriously and act early.

Communities Identified as Vulnerable

Wahab identified Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B among the areas at risk.

He also listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin.

Communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways were advised to remain on high alert during the warning period.

The commissioner warned residents against waiting for floodwaters to rise before taking preventive action.

“When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab stated. 

Government Intensifies Monitoring

The Lagos State Government said it had intensified monitoring of rainfall patterns and river levels across vulnerable communities.

Wahab advised residents to:

• Move to higher ground when necessary.
• Keep drains and waterways free of refuse.
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
• Follow official flood forecasts and safety advisories.
• Remain vigilant around rivers, lagoons, wetlands and drainage channels.

NiHSA’s alert warned that rising river levels could affect communities and facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship. 

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The Lagos State Government has reopened six steel manufacturing companies after they complied with environmental regulations and implemented measures to address pollution concerns. The decision followed inspections that confirmed the companies had met the conditions required to resume operations.

The affected firms were previously shut down by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) over violations relating to environmental pollution and non-compliance with regulatory standards. Following corrective actions by the companies, state authorities approved the reopening of the facilities.

According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the companies demonstrated compliance by installing pollution control systems, improving waste management practices, and implementing measures to reduce emissions and protect surrounding communities.

The commissioner stressed that the state government remains committed to balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability. He warned that companies operating in Lagos must continue to comply with environmental laws or risk fresh sanctions, including closure and prosecution where necessary.

Wahab noted that environmental compliance is essential to protecting public health, preserving ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable industrial development. He added that regulatory agencies would continue routine inspections and monitoring of industrial facilities across the state to ensure adherence to environmental standards.

Industry stakeholders welcomed the reopening, describing it as evidence that regulatory enforcement and business operations can coexist when companies comply with established environmental requirements. They also encouraged manufacturers to invest in cleaner technologies and adopt sustainable production practices to minimise their environmental impact.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations while supporting responsible industrial development that promotes economic growth without compromising public health or environmental quality.

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Recurring floods across Lagos have once again raised concerns over the city’s ability to cope with heavy rainfall, with experts blaming a combination of rapid urbanisation, poor planning, disappearing wetlands and inadequate flood-control infrastructure for the persistent problem.

Recent downpours left several communities, including Kunsela Road in Ikate, Gbagada, Ologolo, Ajiran, Ikorodu Road and Shogunle in Oshodi, submerged, disrupting businesses, damaging property and forcing residents to wade through floodwaters.

For many Lagosians, seasonal flooding has become a familiar reality. However, the latest incidents have reignited debate over why the commercial capital continues to experience severe flooding despite ongoing drainage projects and government interventions.

Urban planning expert, Tpl. Niyi Aderohunmu, said decades of replacing wetlands and mangrove forests with residential and commercial developments have significantly reduced Lagos’ natural ability to absorb rainwater.

According to him, wetlands once acted as natural reservoirs that stored excess rainfall and released it gradually, but large-scale development has replaced these areas with concrete surfaces that generate faster runoff.

He explained that the destruction of natural drainage channels, especially along the Lekki corridor, has made many low-lying communities increasingly vulnerable whenever heavy rainfall coincides with high tides.

Geographer Abeeb Babajide Ajagbe also described wetlands and mangroves as the city’s “natural flood infrastructure,” warning that continuous development in environmentally sensitive areas has worsened flooding.

He argued that the problem extends beyond environmental degradation, pointing to planning failures, weak enforcement and approvals granted for developments in flood-prone locations.

Environmental resource management expert Gbenga Oloniniran shared similar concerns, saying unregulated urban expansion has removed natural barriers that previously reduced the impact of flooding.

According to him, low-lying communities now experience faster surface runoff because many natural flood buffers have disappeared.

Independent researcher Tonami Playman, however, believes Lagos’ flooding cannot be blamed solely on climate change or environmental loss.

He argued that the city’s greatest challenge is the absence of large-scale flood-control infrastructure capable of storing excess stormwater during periods of intense rainfall.

Playman noted that while drainage systems are important, cities such as Tokyo, Chicago and Kuala Lumpur have significantly reduced flood risks through massive investments in underground reservoirs, storage tunnels and flood-control facilities.

He maintained that Lagos requires similar long-term infrastructure rather than relying almost entirely on drainage expansion.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government attributed the recurring flooding to a combination of coastal geography, climate change, rapid urbanisation and the destruction of wetlands.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that nearly one-third of Lagos consists of lagoons, rivers, streams and swamps, making flooding difficult to eliminate completely.

He said the city naturally drains stormwater into these water bodies, but rapid development over the years has reduced the capacity of wetlands to absorb excess rainfall.

The commissioner also blamed illegal land reclamation in areas such as Ajiran, Agungi, Ikota and the Chevron corridor for obstructing natural drainage channels and worsening floods in surrounding communities.

According to Wahab, another challenge is “tidal locking,” a situation where heavy rainfall coincides with high sea levels, preventing floodwater from flowing into the Atlantic Ocean and lagoons until the tides recede.

He said the state government has intensified desilting of drainage channels, expanded flood-control infrastructure and issued flood advisories ahead of the peak rainy season to reduce the impact of flooding.

Experts, however, insist that drainage projects alone will not solve the problem.

They recommended stricter enforcement of building regulations, restoration and protection of wetlands, investment in modern flood-control infrastructure, adoption of nature-based solutions such as permeable pavements and green spaces, as well as stronger urban planning policies.

The Lagos State Government recently began demolishing structures obstructing drainage channels in Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota as part of efforts to restore waterways and reduce flooding.

The government has also unveiled plans to develop a blue-green drainage network involving canals, estate lakes and pumping stations aimed at improving flood management across the state.

Despite these measures, experts believe Lagos will continue to experience recurring floods unless long-term investments are made to strengthen both natural and engineered flood-control systems.

The post Why Lagos Keeps Flooding: Experts Explain Causes and Solutions appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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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A severe downpour on June 28 submerged critical infrastructure, closed commercial hubs, and briefly paralyzed activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport international terminal, creating widespread anxiety over impending Lagos flood risks. The torrential weekend rainfall severely affected notable areas including Oshodi, Mushin, Surulere, Egbeda’s Akowonjo Road, Gbagada Expressway, and Idi-Oro. This incident struck just as regulatory bodies issued warnings regarding the peak flood season expected between July and September.

At the airport, rising waters forced the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to shut down operations at its temporary international facility when water reached the main powerhouse. Consequently, officials disconnected power grid access for safety, redirecting major international carriers such as Air France-KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Fly Gabon to Terminal Two. Meanwhile, urban areas like Gbagada, Ipaja, and Surulere witnessed knee-deep floods that trapped residents and halted daily commuting.

Videos circulating on social platforms depicted vehicles nearly submerged up to window levels, and commuters in Oshodi desperately seeking safety as portions of the public transit hub overflowed. The intense rainfall also breached domestic thresholds, leaving the lower levels of several residential buildings completely underwater. Although the water receded by Monday morning to allow business activities to slowly restart, traders and inhabitants lamented that the crisis highlights the state’s persistent exposure to environmental hazards despite public safety pledges.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) collectively designated the July-to-September window as the period of ultimate vulnerability. According to NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, a weak La Niña followed by a neutral ENSO phase has triggered predictions of an elongated rainy season with a delayed end. Projections show extreme annual precipitation reaching up to 2,010mm in Badagry and averaging 1,965mm across all 20 local government areas. Furthermore, NIHSA’s 2026 Annual Flood Outlook listed Lagos among 33 high-risk states, stating that a combination of rapid urbanization and overstretched drainage systems aggravates coastal and flash flood events.

To mitigate future occurrences, NEMA’s territorial arm flagged specific zones like Alimosho, Ikeja, and Epe as flash points, warning that Ikorodu and Isheri could face surges from the Oyan Dam. In response, Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary for the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, affirmed that flood mitigation is the administration’s primary directive. Adegbite revealed that a new flood insurance policy has been introduced via the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to assist victims, while structural long-term projects—such as the 36-month System 1 drainage channel—are entering their initial phases of execution.

Reflecting on immediate causes, government officials noted that over a week of continuous rain had already fully saturated the soil and raised lagoon levels, thereby overwhelming existing networks. In reaction, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu greenlit emergency maintenance across major canals. Recent inspections also uncovered unauthorized real estate expansions on natural wetlands and waterways, prompting immediate demolition exercises. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment is contemplating future mandates requiring residential properties to allocate 40 percent of their plots to green spaces to enhance natural ground absorption.

While Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab urged the public to stay calm—characterizing the weekend crisis as transient flash flooding exacerbated by coastal topography—he admonished residents to stop dumping refuse in public drains. Having recently published an exhaustive list of endangered zones including Lekki, Apapa, and Lagos Island, authorities warn that the upcoming months represent the most challenging period of the year for communities situated near low-lying riverbanks.

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to occupants of shanties, makeshift structures and illegal trading points along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, warning that a massive demolition exercise will commence next week.

The governor announced the directive on Saturday after leading the monthly environmental sanitation exercise alongside his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, across communities in Surulere Local Government Area.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Sanwo-Olu said the state government would deploy enforcement teams to clear all illegal structures along the corridor, stretching from Orile-Iganmu to Okokomaiko.

“This is the final notice to everyone occupying the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. From next week, we are coming to clear the entire median. Everything there will go. Every illegal structure will be removed,” the governor said.

He stressed that the highway median was not designated for markets or residential structures, noting that the government would protect the corridor considering the huge public investment committed to the road project.

“It is a 10-lane highway built with taxpayers’ money. We will not allow anyone to turn an international gateway into a slum. We are deploying thousands of personnel to ensure compliance,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve waste management across the state, disclosing that the government would soon add 150 compactors to its waste collection fleet while deploying waste tricycles to underserved communities.

According to him, the state is investing in long-term waste management infrastructure, including a modern material recovery and recycling facility expected to process about 4,250 metric tonnes of waste daily.

The governor urged residents to support government initiatives by disposing of waste responsibly and paying waste collection bills promptly.

“Waste management is not the responsibility of government alone. Residents must also play their part by paying for waste collection services to enable operators provide efficient services,” he said.

He further encouraged parents to involve their children in environmental sanitation activities, describing cleanliness as essential to building a healthier and more sustainable Lagos.

Meanwhile, during an inspection of the Olusosun Landfill, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state was transitioning from the traditional “collect-and-dump” waste disposal model to a circular system that converts waste into valuable resources.

Wahab explained that the planned material recovery facility in Ikorodu would receive waste from transfer loading stations and process thousands of tonnes daily into reusable products and energy.

“We can no longer sustain the waste management system we have practised for decades. Waste must become a resource for wealth creation, energy generation and environmental sustainability,” he said.

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Lagos State has sealed Balmoral Convention Centre in Victoria Island and Foodies Restaurant in Lekki Phase 1 over improper wastewater disposal into public drains, intensifying enforcement against environmental violations across the state.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through his official X account.

The enforcement followed investigations which revealed that both establishments discharged untreated wastewater into drainage systems, causing pollution, foul odour, and public health concerns despite previous warnings.

According to Wahab, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) shut Balmoral Convention Centre after authorities discovered raw sewage was being pumped directly into public drains, alongside wastewater overflow from a blocked sewage chamber.

The agency said the violations created severe environmental pollution, drainage contamination, and persistent public nuisance in the area.

“Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, sealed off Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island over indiscriminate discharge of raw sewage into the public drain via the use of a pumping machine and unattended wastewater spillage from a blocked sewage chamber causing public nuisance and foul smell,” he stated.

Foodies Restaurant, located at Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1, was also sealed for discharging untreated wastewater containing fats and oils into public drains.

The agency noted that the restaurant’s actions contributed to blocked drainage channels, environmental pollution, and repeated nuisance despite earlier compliance warnings.

The development is part of a broader enforcement drive by Lagos authorities against residential and commercial properties violating wastewater management regulations.

In January 2026, the state sealed a residential estate on Ladipo Omotesho Street, Lekki Phase 1, over environmental nuisance and obstruction of enforcement officials.

Similarly, in September 2025, EMCEL Court Phase I and Well Stock Apartments in Ikota GRA, Eti-Osa, were shut for illegal wastewater discharge.

In April 2026, Viva Bella Court II in Lekki Peninsula was sealed for deliberate release of untreated wastewater and septic tank spillage into public drains.

Lagos State recently resumed its monthly environmental sanitation exercise on April 25, 2026, as part of efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness and reduce flooding risks.

The exercise is backed by enforcement measures to ensure compliance, with penalties including fines and up to three months imprisonment for illegal dumping and littering.

The renewed sanitation drive, alongside stricter wastewater enforcement, underscores the state government’s commitment to strengthening environmental governance and improving public health outcomes.

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The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to mitigate flooding across vulnerable areas ahead of anticipated heavy rainfall.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during an inspection of flood-prone locations across Lagos Island and the Mainland.

The team visited areas including Apongbon and Olowogbowo, where recent construction activities have worsened flooding conditions. Wahab explained that ongoing construction in Apongbon triggered recent flooding, adding that the state has engaged the Federal Government and commenced corrective measures.

At Olowogbowo, he noted that rehabilitation work is already underway, with significant progress recorded to restore proper drainage and reduce flood risks.

Addressing concerns around the System 1 drainage channel, Wahab said flooding complaints from residents in Sholuyi and Bariga were linked to soil displacement during construction. He assured that additional equipment has been deployed to clear blockages and stabilise the channel.

The System 1 project, a major drainage initiative spanning Ikeja, Maryland, Bariga, and Shomolu, is expected to play a critical role in controlling flooding across key parts of Lagos Mainland once completed.

“We are a coastal state and must manage that reality. This project will significantly reduce flooding across the mainland,” Wahab said.

The commissioner also urged residents to avoid open defecation and make use of public sanitation facilities, noting that the government currently operates over 1,700 public toilets statewide, with plans to expand access.

On urban renewal, Wahab revealed that the state has commenced the MTN Yello Park project in Obalende, a recreational development expected to be completed within 21 weeks. He added that temporary relocations may occur but assured that affected individuals would return after project completion.

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The Lagos State Government has arrested four suspects during a late-night cleanup operation under the Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi, as part of efforts to curb illegal activities in the area.

The operation was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce following reports that street traders had returned to the location after an earlier clearance.

Follow-Up Operation Targets Illegal Trading

According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the enforcement team revisited the site around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

He explained that the action became necessary after authorities received intelligence that traders had resumed activities at the under-bridge area, which had been cleared on March 30, 2026.

During the operation, officials dislodged traders and restored order in the vicinity.

Suspects to Face Prosecution

Wahab confirmed that four suspects were arrested during the exercise and would be charged in court.

He stressed that the government remains committed to enforcing environmental laws and preventing illegal occupation of public spaces.

Government Intensifies Monitoring

Authorities also revealed plans to intensify surveillance at Falomo Bridge and other parts of Lagos to prevent a recurrence.

The move is part of broader efforts to maintain sanitation, improve urban order, and enhance safety across the state.

Officials reiterated that enforcement operations will continue as part of the government’s environmental and public safety strategy.

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The has begun deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect early warning signs of flooding as part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, , disclosed that the state is using AI-driven systems to track water levels and monitor waterways across in real time.

He explained that the move is aimed at providing early warnings and reducing the impact of flooding, especially as the rainy season approaches.

Lagos vulnerable due to coastal location

Wahab noted that Lagos remains highly prone to flooding due to its coastal geography, with a significant portion of its landmass surrounded by water and areas like Lekki originally developed from reclaimed swamps.

Flood control team operates round the clock

To complement the technology, the government has deployed a dedicated flood abatement team working 24 hours daily to clear drainage systems and ensure free flow of water.

According to the commissioner, effective drainage management alone could address up to 50 percent of flooding challenges in the state.

Crackdown on illegal structures and waste disposal

The government also plans to remove illegal structures blocking waterways and replace them with sustainable solutions such as mangrove restoration, wetland preservation, and improved drainage infrastructure.

Residents were warned against indiscriminate waste disposal and open burning, which remain illegal and contribute to environmental hazards.

Push for smarter flood management

The initiative reflects Lagos State’s shift toward technology-driven environmental management, combining AI monitoring with traditional flood control measures to reduce risks and protect residents.

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