ABUJA, NIGERIA – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 15 Local Government Areas in Lagos State and 19 in Ogun State as flood-risk zones, warning residents to take precautionary measures ahead of heightened rainfall patterns across the region.
The agency issued the advisory as part of its annual flood preparedness update, aimed at reducing the impact of flooding on lives, property, and infrastructure during the rainy season.
Officials said the identified areas are highly vulnerable due to factors such as poor drainage systems, low-lying terrain, rapid urbanisation, and rising water levels in surrounding water bodies.
Flood Preparedness And Public Warning
NEMA urged residents in the affected LGAs to remain vigilant and adopt early safety measures, including clearing drainage channels, avoiding blocked waterways, and relocating from flood-prone settlements where necessary.
The agency also advised state governments and local authorities to intensify drainage maintenance and implement preventive environmental measures to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.
Emergency response teams, according to officials, have been placed on alert to respond quickly to any flood-related incidents during the season.
Growing Flood Concerns In South-West Nigeria
Flooding has remained a recurring challenge in Lagos and Ogun States, particularly during periods of intense rainfall when water levels rise rapidly and drainage systems become overwhelmed.
Experts have attributed the situation to a combination of climate change, unregulated construction, and poor waste disposal practices that block water channels.
They warn that without sustained intervention, flooding could continue to pose significant risks to transportation networks, housing, and public health.
Call For Proactive Measures
Environmental stakeholders have called for stronger enforcement of building regulations and improved urban planning to reduce exposure to flood disasters.
They also stressed the importance of community awareness campaigns to educate residents on emergency preparedness and response strategies.
Government Response And Monitoring
Authorities said monitoring systems have been activated to track weather patterns and provide timely alerts to residents in high-risk areas.
They assured that coordination between federal, state, and local emergency agencies will be strengthened to improve disaster response and mitigation efforts.
Looking Ahead
As the rainy season intensifies, NEMA has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property through early warning systems and coordinated emergency response operations across vulnerable states.
