Residents of several communities in Lagos have appealed for urgent intervention as heavy rainfall continues to trigger severe flooding across the state.
In multiple viral videos shared online on Monday, distressed residents in areas like Ijede and Igbogbo-Bayeku, Ikorodu, were seen wading through floodwaters that had submerged homes, shops, and vehicles.
“We are in Oko Ope in Ijede. Have mercy on us,” one woman cried in a now-viral clip. “This is our community. We can’t even enter the house; the flood has damaged everything.”
Another resident in the same area showed floodwaters reaching the windows of his home.
“My three cars are inside water,” he said. “From August 3 to 4, it’s like living in an ocean.”
In a separate video, a resident in Selewu Oni Malu, Igbogbo-Bayeku, Ikorodu, described the overnight flooding as devastating.
“Floodwaters have entered so many homes and shops,” he said. “Even the tricycle in the compound is almost underwater. If the rain continues, many people will be forced to relocate.”
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Lagos State government responds
Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos commissioner for the environment and water resources, responded to the viral videos on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), saying the government is aware of the situation and is working on a permanent solution.
“We have seen the trending video and fully understand the concerns it has raised,” Wahab said.
“The ongoing drainage project in that area, awarded by Governor Jide Sanwoolu, is designed to provide a permanent solution.”
He then said he had instructed the contractor to begin excavation immediately and to prioritise the construction of culverts, after which concrete lining would continue.
Wahab also apologised for the hardship residents were facing, assuring them that the government was “laying the groundwork for a permanent fix.”
The commissioner had earlier issued a flood alert warning of heavy rainfall and flash floods across Lagos, urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain calm and vigilant.
NIHSA flood warnings remain in place
On 27th July, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warned of serious flooding in 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory between 22 July and 5 August.
Lagos was among the states listed as high-risk areas, along with 29 others in NIHSA’s 2025 weather outlook.
