Lagos orders evacuation of residents in flood-prone areas (see list

The Lagos State Government has ordered residents living in13 flood-prone and low-lying communities to relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).

According to the NiHSA, Lagos is expected to experience heavy rainfall and flooding from September 19 to 25, 2026.

The 13 areas residents have been warned to watch include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, Isheri North, Jetty Terminal B, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi

The state government said communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways face additional risks as heavy rainfall upstream could increase water levels downstream.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before taking action.

The state government also warned against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.

The government further urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drains, canals and waterways, noting that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.