Residents living in flood-prone parts of Lagos have been advised to move to safer, higher ground as the state responds to a fresh warning of possible flooding.
The Lagos State Government issued the directive following a seven-day flood alert from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, covering Lagos and 14 other states between September 19 and 25.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the precautionary measure was necessary to protect lives and property as water levels rise in vulnerable areas.
Among the locations identified as being at risk are parts of Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
Wahab urged residents in affected communities not to wait until floodwaters become severe before taking action, stressing the importance of early evacuation.
He also listed communities downstream of Isheri Olofin, including Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi, as areas requiring heightened vigilance.
According to him, residents around the Ogun River and other major waterways should pay close attention to official flood forecasts, as rising water levels and heavy rainfall could affect downstream communities.
The commissioner further warned that flooding could disrupt schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms and places of worship in vulnerable areas.
He advised residents living around rivers, lagoons, wetlands and drainage channels to make arrangements for temporary relocation when necessary. Communities were also encouraged to activate early-warning and emergency response measures.
Wahab cautioned Lagosians against driving or walking through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, while urging residents to avoid dumping refuse into drains and waterways, which can worsen flooding and slow the drainage of affected areas.
The state government, he said, would continue monitoring rainfall patterns, river levels and other hydrological developments while working with relevant federal agencies to reduce flood risks.
The latest warning follows a national flood advisory indicating that more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states could be affected by flooding between September 19 and 25.
