The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent evacuation advisory to residents living in flood-prone areas including Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle, warning of intensified rainfall and rising flood risks in the days ahead.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. He stressed that individuals residing in low-lying and coastal communities must “move now” to safer ground to avoid potential disasters.
“Those around the Ajilete axis, that’s Ajegunle, need to relocate. Residents in the coastline areas of Ikorodu like Majidun, and certain parts of the Lekki corridor, must move,” Wahab cautioned.
He further mentioned Isheri (OPIC axis) as a high-risk location and advised residents to be on heightened alert. Conversely, he reassured citizens in areas like Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja, describing them as relatively safe from severe flooding.
The advisory comes in the aftermath of relentless rainfall that began Sunday night and persisted through Monday, leaving major parts of the state submerged. Viral footage captured flooded streets, stranded vehicles, and waterlogged homes, causing widespread disruption to commercial activities in the megacity.
According to Wahab, the severe weather aligns with predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which had forecast heavier rainfall for 2025 compared to previous years.
“For those who stay in the lowlands of Lagos, they have to move to the upland areas until the rains recede,” he emphasized.
Acknowledging Lagos’s natural vulnerability as a coastal city, Wahab attributed the increased flooding to the effects of climate change, particularly flash flooding. He assured the public that the state government is proactively addressing the challenge by clearing drainage channels and expanding flood pathways.
“We won’t tell Lagosians lies. If nature takes its course, our job is to mitigate the impact,” Wahab said. “But we also need residents to be responsible and follow safety guidance.”
He emphasized that community cooperation is key to ensuring safety, while reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
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