Flood risk looms in Lagos as NEMA warns residents to take precautionary steps

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned residents of Lagos to brace for potential flooding as the rainy season intensifies, urging immediate preventive action to reduce damage and loss of life.

The agency said its advisory aligns with projections from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), which listed Lagos among states at high risk in its 2026 Annual Flood Outlook. According to NEMA, thousands of communities across the country have already been identified as vulnerable, making early preparedness critical.

Speaking in Lagos, NEMA’s Head of Operations, Mohammed Olatunde, stressed that while flooding is often treated as a natural disaster, human activity continues to worsen its impact. Blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and construction on natural waterways remain major drivers of recurring floods in the state.

He warned that without proactive measures, residents could face displacement, property destruction, and potential loss of lives during peak rainfall periods.

To reduce risk, the agency advised residents to regularly clear gutters and drainage channels to ensure free water flow, while also discouraging the dumping of refuse in canals. People living in flood-prone areas were urged to consider relocating temporarily to safer locations, especially during heavy rains.

NEMA also called on households to prepare emergency response plans, safeguard important belongings, and stay updated through official weather forecasts and early warning systems issued by relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

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Motorists and pedestrians were specifically cautioned against moving through flooded roads, with the agency noting that such actions pose serious risks, including being swept away by strong currents or damaging vehicles.

The warning comes weeks after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu raised concerns about the long-term impact of climate change, estimating that failure to act could cost the state up to $40 billion by 2050.

With rainfall patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, NEMA emphasised that prevention remains the most effective response, urging both residents and authorities to act early rather than react after disasters occur.