As Nigeria faces the threat of severe flooding in the coming weeks, panic is palpably spreading among communities that recall last year’s devastating deluge, which led to significant loss of life and property. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning, indicating that heavy and prolonged rainfall, coupled with the release of water from dams, could exacerbate the situation. This announcement has triggered concerns, urging citizens to prepare for the worst.
The warning from NEMA follows the seasonal pattern of rains that have been ongoing across many states in Nigeria. Already grappling with the aftermath of economic challenges, the prospect of widespread flooding adds another layer of anxiety for residents. In areas historically prone to flooding, families are proactively moving their belongings to higher ground and establishing makeshift shelters to mitigate potential losses.
Local governments are mobilizing emergency services and engaging volunteers to distribute information on safety measures and evacuation plans. Community leaders are holding meetings to develop contingency plans, while volunteers are setting up awareness campaigns to educate residents about flood preparedness. Many individuals are taking to social media to share resources and tips on how to stay safe, leading to a collective grassroots effort to combat the impending threat.
The fear of flooding in Nigeria isn’t unfounded. The catastrophic floods of 2022 claimed over 600 lives, displacing millions and prompting a humanitarian crisis. Many affected families are still grappling with the aftermath, living in temporary accommodations with insufficient access to food, clean water, and medical care. There is a heightened sense of urgency as communities remember the chaos and despair that followed the last disaster.
In response to the alert, the Nigerian government is assessing the current infrastructure’s ability to manage heavy rainfall, including drainage systems, riverbanks, and deforestation issues that have weakened natural buffers against flooding. While some regions are being equipped with early warning systems, there are growing calls for a comprehensive national strategy to improve preparedness for climate-related disasters.
As Nigeria braces for the potential impact of flooding, the onus lies on both the government and citizens to stay informed and act accordingly. It is crucial for communities to heed evacuation orders and safety guidelines, particularly those in high-risk areas. The coming weeks will test the resilience of Nigeria’s infrastructure, governance, and the spirit of its people as they confront the looming threat of flooding yet again.
Flooding: Panic Spreads in Lagos Over Impending Disaster Alert
An uneasy calm blankets Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, especially on the Island, as residents prepare for what experts are predicting could be one of the worst flood seasons in recent years.
This apprehension intensified following a recent warning from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which identified Lagos among states at high risk of severe flooding in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook revealed last week in Abuja.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation who led the event, urged residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those on Lagos Island, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Ajah, to prepare for significant flooding due to heavy rainfall, rising sea levels, and overstretched urban drainage systems.
For many Lagosians, this anxiety is all too familiar. The city, precariously situated on the Atlantic coast, has faced repeated flood disasters over the years, causing property damage, business disruptions, and the displacement of numerous families.
The history of such flooding can be traced back to 2012 when Lagos suffered severe floods after torrential rains in July. Major thoroughfares like Ahmadu Bello Way, Ozumba Mbadiwe, and Marina on the Island were entirely submerged.
Businesses had to shut down, and both vehicles and pedestrians found themselves stuck for hours in waist-deep water.
That year marked one of the most devastating flood disasters in the state’s history, as floodwaters inundated homes across Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island, and parts of Ajah.
Residents had to navigate through waist-high water as several roads became impassable, resulting in many displacements and the loss of properties valued in the millions of naira.
In light of NIHSA’s warning, residents of Lagos have voiced significant concerns regarding the impending flood threat.
Funmi Adebayo, a civil servant and Lekki Phase 1 resident, shared with the press, “Each time the rains come, we live in fear. Last year, water flooded my sitting room and destroyed my furniture. I had to replace household items worth over N2 million. These annual warnings only remind us of our helplessness.”
Kennedy Terfa, a media executive residing in Victoria Island, remarked, “Flooding here has become a tradition. In 2022, my office server and several gadgets were destroyed when water poured in during a downpour. The government makes promises every year, but we hardly see sustainable action.”
Titi Balogun, a teacher living in Oniru Estate, conveyed her frustration: “During the rainy season, I barely sleep at night. We’re constantly checking if water levels are rising. Last year, a neighbour’s fence collapsed because of flood pressure. It’s terrifying, especially with children in the house.”
Ayo Shonibare, a commercial driver servicing the Ajah–Lekki–Victoria Island route, stated, “Once it rains, everywhere locks down. Our roads are terrible and the drains are always clogged. It’s either you risk your vehicle getting stuck or stay home and lose income. Nobody should have to live like this in a city like Lagos.”
In response to the escalating concern, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to managing the expected rainfalls and flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas on the Island.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, during an inspection of the ongoing Lagos Island Urban Regeneration Project, assured residents that proactive measures are in place.
Wahab confirmed that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) had been fully mobilized to operate year-round, focusing on desilting clogged drainages, clearing canals, and addressing flood-prone areas.
“We are not treating this as business as usual. Our drainage clearing and urban regeneration projects on Lagos Island and other flood-prone areas are in top gear. EFAG teams have been deployed across the state and will remain active throughout the year to prevent disaster,” Wahab emphasized.
He also urged residents to cooperate with government agencies by refraining from indiscriminate waste disposal, which exacerbates drainage blockages.
In light of the impending flood threat, the atmosphere in Nigeria is charged with anxiety and apprehension. The government’s warnings have ignited a flurry of activity and preparation at both individual and community levels. While the situation remains fluid, one thing is clear: proactive measures, collaboration, and awareness can help mitigate the impacts of what could potentially be another tragic chapter in Nigeria’s battle against natural disasters. As the rains approach, the focus must shift from panic to preparedness, ensuring that lessons learned from past disasters can inform future responses.