The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on residents of Lagos to take urgent preventive steps as the rainy season heightens the risk of flooding.
The agency’s Lagos Operations Head, Mr. Mohammed Olatunde, issued the advisory on Saturday, stressing the need for vigilance and preparedness across vulnerable communities.
He explained that the warning follows the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which identified Lagos as one of the states most exposed to flooding this year.
“The outlook identified thousands of communities nationwide as vulnerable and urged early preparedness to reduce losses,” Olatunde said.
Highlighting the dangers of inaction, Olatunde underscored the importance of early risk management to avert casualties, displacement, and widespread property damage during peak rainfall.
He pointed to human-induced factors as major contributors to recurring floods, including clogged drainage systems, careless waste disposal, and building on natural water channels.
Residents were advised to keep drainage systems clear, desist from dumping refuse in waterways, and ensure proper sanitation practices to allow free water flow.
Olatunde further urged those living in flood-prone locations to consider relocating temporarily, while calling on community leaders to intensify public awareness and enforce environmental regulations.
He encouraged households to develop emergency response plans, safeguard essential belongings, and stay informed through weather updates and official alerts.
Motorists and pedestrians were also cautioned against navigating flooded roads, warning that such actions pose serious threats to safety and property.
Appealing for collective responsibility, Olatunde urged residents to heed advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and NiHSA to reduce the impact of flooding.
“Prevention is far cheaper and better than cure,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier warned during the launch of a flood insurance scheme in March 2026 that failure to tackle climate change could cost the state an estimated $40 billion by 2050.
