The Ogun State Government has warned residents to prepare for the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, expected to begin in September, with the possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding in vulnerable parts of the state.

The government also advised residents living in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas where necessary to reduce the risk to lives and property.

The warning followed a forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Ogun among the states expected to experience heavy rainfall during the year.

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, in a statement in Abeokuta, urged residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.

Oresanya attributed the relatively limited impact of the first phase of the rainy season to measures adopted by the government, including sustained public awareness, regular maintenance of rivers and improved waste management.

He said the government had paid attention to rivers, streams and drainage channels, including the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.

The commissioner said rainfall in inland parts of the state was expected to decline from October into early November.

However, he warned that the second phase of the rainy season could bring more intense rainfall, with precipitation projected to average about 360mm in October.

Oresanya said the period could bring river and coastal flooding to parts of the state due to prolonged rainfall, controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations that could affect the flow of the Ogun River.

He explained that the combined effects could temporarily saturate wetlands and floodplains, increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.

He advised residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain vigilant and relocate to safer locations where necessary.

The advisory also covers coastal communities including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside Local Council, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia; and communities along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju rivers.

Oresanya also advised fish farmers operating within floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise potential losses.

He specifically urged fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, as well as those in other vulnerable communities, to heed the warning.

The commissioner called on ministries, departments and agencies, local government authorities, emergency response organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood-response measures, monitor vulnerable locations and keep drainage channels free of obstructions.

He urged community leaders to strengthen public awareness campaigns, noting that timely information and early action were critical to reducing the impact of flooding.

Oresanya assured residents that the state government would continue to monitor weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders.

He urged residents to take the warning seriously and remain responsive to further updates from the government and relevant emergency agencies.