Residents in flood-prone districts of Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle have received an urgent warning from the Lagos State Government to evacuate to higher ground as the state continues to be battered by torrential rainfall.
According to Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, who was interviewed on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, August 5, the warning comes after predictions of more rainfall and a rising danger of catastrophe in low-lying regions.
Wahab stated that people around the Ajilete axis in the Ajegunle neighborhood of Lagos, must relocate. “Those along the coastline in Ikorodu, such as Majidun, also need to move. Some parts of the Lekki corridor too; not all, are affected.”
Additionally, Wahab designated Isheri, which is in the OPIC region, as a site of concern and advised locals to exercise extreme caution. Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja, he said, are still comparatively secure from catastrophic inundation.
Following heavy rains that started Sunday evening and lasted until Monday, August 4, several areas of Lagos were submerged due to extensive flooding, prompting the warning. Viral footage of flooded streets, stalled cars, and drowned homes seriously disrupted everyday life and commercial operations throughout the state.
Wahab said that prior forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted more rainfall for Lagos in 2024 than in previous years, were the basis for the environmental problem.
Lagos is especially susceptible to the consequences of climate change, such as flash floods, because it is a coastal metropolis. Wahab underlined that by raising public awareness and developing infrastructure, the government is aggressively tackling the issue.
Wahab continued, “Lagos will be exposed to the vagaries of climate change, and that means flash flooding is inevitable,” “But as a government, we must provide resilient infrastructure and urge our people to act responsibly.”
In order to enhance water flow and reduce flood damage, he said, the state is already cleaning drainage systems and enlarging flood channels. Wahab went on, “We won’t lie to Lagosians.” “If nature takes its course, our job is to reduce the impact.”
The commissioner urged people to remain calm, but emphasized that they must heed official orders and, if required, leave risky places. also reiterated the government’s dedication to preserving property and life, but also emphasized the need of community collaboration.
