Residents of flood-prone communities in Lagos State have been directed to move to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert warning of rising river levels and possible flooding across vulnerable areas.

The directive came after the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) issued a new seven-day flood alert, NFA-2026-2022, covering Lagos and 14 other states.

The Lagos State Government, concerned about the risk to lives and property as the rainy season intensifies, urged residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before leaving their homes.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said yesterday that the government had stepped up monitoring of vulnerable communities and directed residents in low-lying areas to relocate temporarily to safer locations.

Among the areas identified as vulnerable are Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.

Wahab also listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin as communities that should remain on high alert between September 19 and 25.

He said residents living along the Ogun River and other major waterways should exercise particular caution because heavy rainfall upstream and rising water levels in connected river systems could worsen flooding downstream in Lagos.

“We are urging Lagosians, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, not to take this warning lightly. When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab said.

He explained that Lagos usually experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, when increased rainfall, rising river levels and tidal influences can combine to worsen flooding in vulnerable communities.

According to the commissioner, residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies should remain vigilant and comply with official safety advisories.

The NiHSA alert warned that rising river levels could lead to flooding in vulnerable communities and affect critical facilities, including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.

Wahab therefore called on affected local councils, emergency management agencies and community leaders to activate early-warning and response mechanisms.

He urged residents to make arrangements for the safe movement of people, livestock and valuables whenever flooding becomes imminent.

The state government, he said, would continue to monitor river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies .

He added that routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure would also continue across the state.

Wahab, however, appealed to residents to support the government’s flood mitigation efforts by stopping the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals and waterways.

Blocked drainage channels, he warned, could worsen flooding and slow the recession of floodwaters.

He also cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, urging those in vulnerable communities to relocate temporarily whenever official warnings indicate an imminent threat.

The commissioner said the protection of lives and property remained the government’s foremost priority, urging residents to treat flood forecasts as critical safety information rather than routine weather updates.

He assured Lagosians that the government would continue to deploy measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates as the situation develops.

He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official advisories.