- Wahab Warns of Flash Floods in Lagos, Issues Safety Advisory
- Urge all residents to remain calm
- Wahab stated that the government is keeping a close watch on communities near rivers and lagoons
The Lagos State Government has called for calm as heavy rain continues to affect various parts of the state, cautioning that more showers are expected in the coming days.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, noted that the state had seen intense rainfall over the past 12 hours.
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He also mentioned that a new advisory from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecasts thunderstorms and rain for the next three days.
“Over the past 12 hours, Lagos has experienced intense rainfall, and more is expected in the coming days, according to NiMET’s latest advisory.
“I urge all residents to remain calm,” Wahab stated.
He explained that while Lagos had “resilient systems in place to manage flash floods”, the sheer volume of rain could temporarily overwhelm the drainage infrastructure.
“As a coastal city, Lagos is naturally vulnerable to tidal lock-up when rising water levels in the lagoon slow down the discharge of runoff.
“This is further worsened by climate change,” he said.
Wahab stated that the government is keeping a close watch on communities near rivers and lagoons, identifying them as more vulnerable to flash floods with strong water currents. He also released a public safety advisory directed especially at parents, motorists, and pedestrians.
“Parents and guardians, please keep your children indoors during this holiday period.
“Swimming or playing in floodwater is extremely dangerous.
“I also appeal to motorists and pedestrians to avoid moving through flooded roads.
“Vehicles can be submerged, and lives can be lost,” he warned.
Addressing the problem of blocked drains, Wahab emphasized the need for responsible waste disposal and revealed that enforcement actions against violators would continue.
“Once again, I must stress, do not dump refuse into drains during rainfall.
“It clogs our drainage systems and worsens flooding. There are consequences for such actions, and enforcement will continue,” he said.
The commissioner explained that drainage teams across the state are working tirelessly, and that concrete channels are being built in various parts of the city to improve the management of stormwater runoff.
“But in times of unusually heavy downpour like this, every resident must play their part.
“Together, we will keep Lagos safe,” Wahab added.
