“No property is worth your life,” Environment Commissioner tells residents of Lagos flood-prone communities ahead of expected flooding
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has urged residents of flood-prone communities to evacuate early to safer locations after the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) issued a seven-day flood alert.
Wahab, in a statement on Monday, urged Lagosians, particularly those living in low-lying, riverine, coastal and other vulnerable communities, to take the warning seriously and avoid waiting until floodwaters rise before taking precautionary measures.
The NiHSA alert covers the period from September 19 to 25, with communities in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront, Jetty Terminal B and areas along the Ogun River and other waterways, advised to remain on high alert.
The Commissioner also identified several low-lying and riverbank communities requiring heightened vigilance, including Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin.
He advised residents in vulnerable locations to relocate to higher ground whenever necessary, stressing that waiting for floodwaters to rise could expose residents to avoidable risks.
“No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab said.
According to him, the Lagos State Government is intensifying the monitoring of rainfall and river levels while working with relevant agencies to strengthen flood prevention and emergency response measures.
Wahab further appealed to residents to keep drainage channels and waterways free of refuse, warning against activities that could obstruct the free flow of stormwater.
He also advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid flooded roads and areas, urging residents to rely only on official flood forecasts and advisories for information.
“Our priority remains the protection of lives and property,” the Commissioner said, urging Lagosians to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to safety instructions as the government continues to monitor the situation.
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Pinnacle Daily reports that NiHSA has warned of a high risk of flooding in riverine areas across 15 states between September 19 and 25, 2026.
In the National Flood Advisory issued on Saturday by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, NiHSA urged residents in vulnerable communities to relocate to safer and higher ground.
Mohammed said rising river levels were expected to trigger flooding in several communities, putting schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms and religious buildings at risk.
“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states,” NiHSA stated. “Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding. Communities on the floodplain should prepare to move to higher ground.”
Apart from Lagos, other states that may be affected include Cross River, Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Taraba, and Rivers.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X