The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in flood-prone and low-lying communities to immediately relocate to safer, higher ground following a fresh flood alert issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).
The warning covers 19 to 25 September 2026, with Lagos among 15 states placed at high risk of riverine flooding as rising water levels threaten vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.
Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before taking action, stressing that early evacuation could help prevent loss of lives.
Among the areas identified as particularly vulnerable are Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri Sea Port, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
Other low-lying and riverine communities, including Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi, have also been advised to remain on high alert.
NiHSA said rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, potentially affecting schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms and places of worship. The agency has urged state and local authorities to activate emergency response measures and prepare for possible evacuation.
Residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other waterways have been advised to closely monitor official flood warnings and move people, livestock and valuables to safer locations where necessary.
Authorities have also warned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
The Lagos government said it would continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.
The latest warning comes as the Federal Government says more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states are exposed to possible flooding during the current seven-day risk period.
Officials are urging residents to treat the warning as a serious safety alert and take precautionary measures before flooding becomes an immediate emergency.
