The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents about the likelihood of above-normal rainfall across the state in 2025. This prediction is based on the Seasonal Climate Prediction from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), which forecasts an average annual rainfall of 1936mm for Lagos. Residents are being urged to prepare for potentially heavy rains and to take necessary precautions to reduce the risks of flooding and property damage.
Dr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, addressed the media on Wednesday, urging communities, especially those in low-lying areas, to stay alert and prepare for possible relocation. Areas like Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, and Shibiri are particularly vulnerable to flooding, with residents in these regions advised to be ready to move to higher ground if necessary.
The rainy season in Lagos is expected to begin in the last week of March and last until the first week of December, with the peak rainfall expected during the early and late parts of the season. Dr. Wahab explained that the rainfall this year is expected to be influenced by the neutral phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which typically leads to longer and more intense rainy periods.
What to Expect in the Coming Months
The forecast suggests a significant variation in rainfall across different parts of Lagos State. In Ikeja, for example, the rainy season is expected to start on April 2nd and end on December 2nd, with an estimated annual rainfall of 1900mm. Badagry will experience slightly earlier rainfall, beginning on March 30th, and its season will end on December 4th, with an expected total of 1978mm of rain. Other areas such as Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe will experience similar rainfall patterns with varying start and end dates but generally high levels of precipitation.
The forecast predicts that Lagos, as well as neighboring Ogun State, will experience above-normal rainfall this year. In particular, the first half of the rainy season is expected to be the wettest, with intense rainfall, while the second half will see more typical rainfall amounts.
Dr. Wahab noted that the high volume of rainfall could lead to flash floods, especially in areas that are prone to such occurrences. Furthermore, strong winds during the rainy season could pose risks to lives and property, while also potentially causing disruptions in commercial activities and air travel.
Government Measures to Combat Flooding
In preparation for the expected heavy rains, the Lagos State Government has implemented several measures to mitigate the impact of flooding. Dr. Wahab emphasized the importance of the state’s weather and river monitoring network, which includes weather stations and river gauge stations across Lagos. This infrastructure will help authorities keep track of rainfall and river levels, allowing for timely interventions if necessary.
Additionally, the state government has ramped up efforts in maintaining the drainage systems to ensure that stormwater flows freely and does not accumulate in the streets. The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has put in place an all-year-round drainage maintenance program, alongside an efficient solid waste management system aimed at keeping the environment clean and reducing the chances of flooding.
Dr. Wahab also highlighted the government’s ongoing partnership with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), which helps manage water levels in the Ogun River. This collaboration has been successful in preventing flooding caused by the release of water from Oyan Dam, and the government plans to continue this effort throughout the rainy season.
The state government is particularly concerned about areas like Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, and Ajegunle, where the Ogun River is at risk of overflowing. These areas are being closely monitored, and the government has urged local authorities to take precautionary steps to protect the residents.
Call for Community Cooperation
Dr. Wahab also appealed to the public to play an active role in preventing flooding. He encouraged residents to refrain from dumping waste in unauthorized areas, as this can block drainage channels and contribute to flooding. He also warned against erecting buildings within drainage setbacks, which can impede the flow of stormwater.
Motorists have also been urged to follow speed limits on the roads, especially during heavy rains, as wet conditions can cause accidents and reduce visibility. Dr. Wahab further advised residents to be vigilant and report any cases of drainage blockages or illegal waste dumping to local authorities.
The Commissioner also announced that the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) would be on standby to ensure that billboards and communication masts are safely secured during the stormy periods, as high winds are expected at the beginning and end of the rainy season.
Community Engagement and Support
To ensure that the public remains informed, Dr. Wahab appealed to journalists and the media to help spread awareness of the risks associated with the coming rainy season. He specifically called on journalists to engage with residents in flood-prone areas, encouraging them to remain alert and to take necessary actions when the need arises.
As part of the ongoing efforts, the state government will continue to work closely with local councils to monitor flood-prone areas and provide timely warnings to residents.
Residents are reminded that the rainy season can be unpredictable, and it is important to stay informed about weather updates and government alerts. The government has assured Lagosians that it is committed to minimizing the impact of the rains, but it will also need the cooperation of the public to reduce the risks of flooding and other weather-related disruptions.
