The Lagos State Government on Monday called for calm from all residents as flash floods overrun some communities.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said on Monday that the government was working on infrastructure to contain the flood, which he noted was temporary.
Videos showing flooded communities in the Ijede area of Ikorodu sparked concern online on Monday, with residents pleading for help as floodwaters overwhelmed their surroundings.
In a video, a woman was heard saying in Yoruba, “We are in Oko Ope in Ijede. Have mercy on us. This is our community. We can’t even enter the house; the flood has damaged everything.
“I’m not even wearing footwear. Come and save us, today is August 4, 2025. Come and rescue people.”
In another video of a flooded community in Ijede, a man was heard saying, “This is what I’m facing in my area in Ijede. From August 3-4, Monday morning, inside and outside my house is full of water. Big ocean. See cars inside the water.”
In another video seen on Facebook, shared by a user, Daodu Sammy Gbenga, Amore Street in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, was seen to have been flooded in the afternoon.
Reacting on X.com on Monday, Wahab assured residents that the government was aware of the situation and was taking decisive steps to address the issue.
“We have seen the trending video and fully understand the concerns it has raised.
“I want to assure all residents of Ikorodu that the ongoing drainage project in that area, awarded by Governor #jidesanwoolu, is designed to provide a permanent solution to the problem.”
He added, “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience residents are currently facing. This is temporary.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had predicted thundery and rainy weather activities across the nation from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flash floods in some areas.
In an earlier statement released by the spokesman of the ministry, Kule Adeshina, the commissioner noted that given the weather advisory from NIMET predicting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for the next three days, it was not impossible that some parts of the state may experience flash flooding, because of the inability of the major collectors not being able to contain the run-off resulting from the very heavy rainfalls.
He reminded that the peculiar nature of Lagos as a coastal city and climate change makes it susceptible to vagaries of flash flooding, asking residents not to panic.
“He explained to all residents that Lagos, being a coastal state, with the heavy rainfalls, the level of water in the lagoon is bound to rise and will result in a tidal lock, which will prevent discharge from all collectors.
“Wahab urged all those living in low-lying areas to be on alert, because with the intensity of the rainfall already experienced, many such areas will encounter flash floods.
“According to him, all areas that are abutting the rivers and lagoons in Lagos are also at risk of experiencing flash floods, which may come with high currents.
“In view of the holiday period that most pupils and students are in now, he called for extra vigilance so that they do not go outside to play in the rain or swim in the flash floods,” the statement noted.
The commissioner also reiterated the earlier advisory to motorists and pedestrians not to wade through floods, as there is a tendency that vehicles may be submerged and people swept away.
He warned residents not to dispose of refuse into the drains as the rains fall, warning that there are consequences for such acts and the refuse will end up blocking the drains and causing flash floods.
