LAGOS WARNS RESIDENTS OF HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLOODING

By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Lagos State Government has urged residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding as the rainy season approaches.

State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the disclosure on Friday during a press briefing on the Seasonal Climate Prediction and its socio-economic implications, held at the ministry’s conference room in Alausa.

Wahab noted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency released the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction on February 10, outlining expected rainfall patterns, temperatures, and other weather parameters across the country.

He added that the annual briefing is part of the state government’s effort to keep residents informed about critical climate information and help them prepare for the potential impacts of the rainy season and other weather events.

Wahab stated that the forecast predicts an early to normal start of the rainy season, a normal to late end, and rainfall ranging from normal to above normal, with temperatures expected to be above average across most parts of the state between March and May.

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He added that 2026 is expected to start with a weak La Niña in January, followed by a neutral phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during the first six to eight months of the year.

“This suggests an early onset of the rainy season, a longer-than-usual duration, and a delayed end of the rainy season in Lagos,” Wahab said.

Wahab stated that above-normal rainfall is expected during the first peak of the rainy season, while the second peak is likely to experience normal rainfall amounts.

He said the rainy season in Lagos is anticipated to start as early as the last week of March and end in the first week of December, with total annual rainfall projected between 1,650mm and 3,030mm.

Breaking it down by divisions, the commissioner said Ikeja is expected to see rainfall from March 31 to December 2, with an annual total of about 1,932mm. Badagry is projected to experience rainfall from March 28 to December 3, totaling 2,010mm, while Ikorodu is expected to record rainfall from March 31 to December 2, amounting to 1,935mm.

He added that Lagos Island will likely have rainfall from March 30 to December 2, with an annual total of 1,968mm, and Epe from March 29 to December 3, with 1,984mm.

Considering all 20 local government areas, Wahab said Lagos State is expected to record an average annual rainfall of around 1,965mm.

He warned that the high rainfall could trigger flooding in some areas, and that strong winds at the start and end of the rainy season may pose risks to lives and property, as well as disrupt commercial activities.

Wahab added, “Lagos State is expected to experience above-normal rainfall, similar to neighbouring Ogun State. The heavy rainfall may at times lead to flooding in certain areas of the state.

“Strong winds are also expected at the start and end of the rainy season, posing risks to lives and property. This could result in disruptions to commercial activities, flight delays, and potential revenue losses.”

The commissioner also highlighted that the state operates its own network of weather stations and river gauge stations to monitor weather conditions and river levels, enhancing preparedness for flood-related incidents.

Wahab stated that the ministry collaborates with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction exercise, which serves as a vital early warning tool for farmers, planners, decision-makers, and business operators affected by rainfall patterns.

He assured residents that the state government has stepped up flood control measures in anticipation of the expected rainfall.

The commissioner noted that the ministry continues its year-round drainage maintenance programme and is enhancing solid waste management to ensure effective flood prevention and environmental hygiene.

Wahab added that Lagos State will maintain its longstanding partnership with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to monitor and manage water releases from the Oyan Dam, helping to prevent flooding along downstream sections of the Ogun River.

He said that low-lying communities, including Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, and Ajegunle, are being closely monitored due to the risk of flooding from the Ogun River and other river basins.

Wahab also revealed that the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency has been placed on alert to ensure that billboards and telecommunication masts comply with safety regulations, reducing the risk of collapse during strong winds.

He noted that emergency response agencies and traffic management authorities are on high alert to minimise the impact of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the state.

The commissioner explained that rising lagoon levels and high tides can sometimes block drainage channels from discharging stormwater, causing temporary flooding until water levels recede.

Wahab added that the state government has strengthened its Flood Early Warning Systems to provide timely and reliable information, helping residents and authorities respond effectively to flooding risks.

He continued, “We will intensify our public enlightenment efforts to sensitise and advise communities in coastal and low-lying wetland areas to move to higher ground to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and property when necessary.

“We will also continue to protect our water bodies from the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste and the construction of illegal structures along drainage alignments and setback areas.”

The commissioner also urged residents living along floodplains and drainage channels in areas such as Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, and Shibiri to remain vigilant and be ready to move to higher ground if necessary.

He advised motorists to adhere to speed limits during the rainy season to reduce the risk of accidents.

Wahab warned residents against indiscriminate refuse dumping, blocking drainage channels with construction materials, and building structures within drainage setbacks.

He encouraged Lagosians to report blocked drains and illegal waste disposal to the ministry, noting that drainage engineers have been deployed across all 57 local government areas and LCDAs.

He concluded by urging residents to support the government’s efforts by regularly clearing drains around their homes to ensure the free flow of stormwater and prevent waste from entering drainage channels.