Nigeria: Lagos Warns Residents in Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle to Relocate Due to Flood Risks

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

The Lagos State Government has issued a critical warning to residents in flood-prone areas, including parts of Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle, urging them to relocate to higher ground to avoid potential flooding.

Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos’ Commissioner for Environment, identified areas such as Ajegunle and the coastline of Ikorodu, particularly Majidu, as being at significant risk. He also advised some residents in parts of the Lekki corridor to temporarily move to safer areas. Meanwhile, Epe, Mushin, Ikeja, and parts of Isheri in the OPIC region were deemed safe.

As a coastal city, Lagos faces heightened vulnerability to the effects of climate change, which is expected to lead to increased flash flooding this year, based on forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Over the weekend, heavy rainfall caused extensive flooding in parts of the state, with several areas submerged, halting daily activities. In response, the government has been actively working to clear drainage systems and improve flood channels to mitigate future impacts.

While acknowledging the inevitability of flash floods, Wahab reassured residents that the government remains focused on building resilient infrastructure and emphasizing public responsibility in flood-prone areas.