The Lagos State Government has called for calm as heavy rainfall continues across the state, cautioning residents to prepare for more downpours in the coming days.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state had experienced intense rainfall over the last 12 hours. He also noted that a fresh weather advisory from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecasts continued thunderstorms and rain for at least the next three days.
Wahab acknowledged the severity of the situation and reassured residents that Lagos has systems in place to manage flash flooding. However, he explained that the volume of rain currently being experienced could temporarily overwhelm existing drainage infrastructure.
Being a coastal city, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to a phenomenon known as tidal lock-up, where rising water levels in the lagoon slow down the discharge of stormwater. Wahab added that climate change continues to exacerbate the situation, making it more difficult to predict and control.
The commissioner said the state government is monitoring areas located close to rivers and lagoons, which are more susceptible to flash floods and strong currents. He issued a safety advisory urging parents to keep their children indoors during the holiday, stressing that playing or swimming in floodwater poses serious risks. Motorists and pedestrians were also warned to avoid navigating flooded streets, as vehicles can be swept away and lives could be endangered.
Wahab condemned the practice of dumping waste into drainage systems, particularly during rainfall. He emphasized that such actions worsen flooding and revealed that enforcement against environmental offenders would continue across the state.
He said drainage teams were actively working to clear blocked channels and construct concrete-lined systems designed to handle large volumes of runoff. While these efforts are ongoing, Wahab noted that community support remains critical.
According to him, residents have a role to play in keeping their surroundings clean and safe, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. He concluded by expressing confidence that with collective responsibility, the state would overcome the challenges posed by the extreme weather.
