- Businesses, Commuters Trapped as Floods Sweep Across Lagos
- Several vehicles broke down, worsening gridlock in parts of the state
- Wahab attributed flooding in Lekki’s Kusenla area to drainage elevation issues
Vehicular and commercial activities were paralysed across Lagos State on Wednesday as hours of heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in multiple communities, leaving residents stranded and businesses counting losses.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Flood-prone areas such as Maryland, Lekki, Ogba, and Ikorodu were among the worst hit. Videos shared on social media captured residents wading through waist-deep water, while motorists struggled to navigate waterlogged roads.
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Several vehicles broke down, worsening gridlock in parts of the state.
At Olatunji Street in Maryland, the overflow of a canal cut off access to the adjoining Mende community. Residents lamented that the problem had persisted for years.
“This has been happening for as long as I can remember. Vehicles can’t move, and some residents even swim to their homes. Many families eventually relocate because of the constant floods,” said Chinasa Nnadi, a resident.
A business owner, Mr. Kalu, described how floodwaters spread quickly across his street.
“I watched as water flowed into people’s homes and shops. My own shop was also affected,” he recounted.
For Christiana, a church member in the community, the disaster meant major losses.
“When the canal overflows, it floods the church, sometimes reaching half the building. This time, we lost a lot of instruments,” she said.
The situation compounded woes for commuters, particularly at the Ogba-Wempco junction. “Vehicles crawled because of the flooded portions. Some drivers even had water flowing into their cars. The government really needs to act fast,” lamented commuter Tunji Abass.
Others like Victor Obinna, who works in Ikate, admitted resorting to extreme measures.
“I sometimes arrive at work completely soaked. Other times, I stay at the office all week to escape the floods,” he said.
Responding, Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, sympathised with residents and assured them of long-term solutions.
He acknowledged Lagos’ vulnerability as a coastal city but noted that the state had invested heavily in drainage projects, desilting, and environmental law enforcement.
Wahab attributed flooding in Lekki’s Kusenla area to drainage elevation issues and disclosed that a new pumping station had been approved. He also blamed incidents near the House on the Rock church on illegal constructions and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
“Clear infractions were observed in many of the videos shared. The government will ensure that illegal structures, obstructions, and unapproved reclamations are promptly removed,” he said.
Appealing for public cooperation, Wahab urged residents to keep drains clean, stop dumping waste, and avoid building on floodplains.
“The flooding was a flash incident in some parts of the state and has since receded. Together, we can build a safer and more resilient Lagos,” he added.
With billions lost annually to flooding, residents continue to call for urgent and sustainable action to protect homes, businesses, and lives.
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