The Lagos State Government has issued a critical evacuation advisory to residents living in flood-prone areas of the state, including parts of Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle, as rainfall continues to inundate the metropolis.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the government’s warning comes in response to both observed flooding and future forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which indicate that the state will experience even more rainfall this year than in 2024.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s current affairs programme Politics Today, Wahab stressed the urgency of the situation and appealed to residents in low-lying coastal communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground.
“Those around the Ajilete axis, especially Ajegunle, must move,” Wahab said. “Also, areas along the Ikorodu coastline, like Majidun, and parts of the Lekki corridor—though not all—need to evacuate as well.”
He, however, reassured that other parts of the state remain relatively safe. “Epe had always been safe, Mushin will be safe, Ikeja will be safe,” he noted, suggesting that these areas are at a lower risk of flood-related displacement.
The advisory follows several days of intense rainfall across Lagos, leading to widespread flooding that has submerged streets, homes, and vehicles in several neighbourhoods. Social media has been awash with images and videos of residents wading through murky water, with some even forced to evacuate their homes with their belongings in plastic bags or canoes.
Wahab acknowledged the growing toll on residents but emphasized that the government is taking proactive measures. He said the Ministry of Environment is already working with emergency response agencies and local councils to coordinate evacuation logistics and provide temporary shelter for affected persons.
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“We are not just issuing warnings; we are also engaging with the communities to facilitate safe relocation and offer the needed support,” Wahab added.
The Commissioner warned that the rainfall pattern is far from over and could persist for weeks, making early relocation vital to protect lives and property. He noted that the state government has mapped out vulnerable zones based on topography and past flood records.
“For those who stay in the lowland of Lagos, they have to move to the upland pending when the rain recedes,” he stressed.
This isn’t the first time Lagos is grappling with serious flooding. In recent years, increased urban development, poor drainage infrastructure, and climate change have contributed to the worsening of flood incidents across the city.
The government is also urging developers and residents to desist from dumping refuse in drainage systems or constructing buildings on water channels—practices that have worsened water flow and drainage capacity.
Residents are encouraged to pay close attention to official announcements and weather updates and to act promptly when directed.
As climate patterns shift and rainfall intensifies, the Lagos government says it will continue to invest in improved urban planning and emergency response systems to mitigate future disasters. But for now, safety remains the priority.
“Saving lives comes first,” Wahab concluded. “We are appealing to the sense of responsibility of all Lagosians.”
