Several parts of Lagos State experienced intense flooding on Monday, August 4, 2025, following a prolonged and uninterrupted downpour that began on Sunday night.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the marathon rainfall led to the submersion of vehicles, buildings, and roads, forcing residents to abandon their daily activities and stay indoors.
Flooded Communities Across Lagos
In Ikorodu, particularly in Ijede, residents shared viral videos showing houses, cars, and access roads submerged. The situation was no different in low-lying and flood-prone areas across the state:
- Lekki
- Eti-Osa
- Ajegunle
- Surulere
- Agege
- Alimosho
Locals navigated streets that resembled rivers, as rainwater overflowed blocked canals and drainage channels. Movement was severely restricted as motorists avoided major roads to prevent damage to their vehicles.
Economic Activities Paralyzed
The flooding paralyzed business and commercial operations in Nigeria’s economic capital. Many shops and offices remained closed, while public transport operations slowed to a crawl. Stranded commuters turned to social media to call for assistance and raise awareness of the worsening situation.
Flash Flood Warnings and Government Response
Reacting to the incident, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, released a statement urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.
He explained that the flash floods were caused by the “inability of major collectors to manage the runoff resulting from the very heavy rainfalls.” Wahab acknowledged the challenges Lagosians faced but assured the public that measures are in place to manage the situation.
“Lagos is a coastal city, and with the effects of climate change, we are more susceptible to flash floods,” he stated.
More Rain Expected, Agency Warns
According to a fresh advisory by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), more rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Lagos and surrounding areas over the next three days.
Wahab urged residents to remain indoors during heavy downpours and prevent children from playing outside during the holiday period. He emphasized that dumping refuse in drainages worsens flooding and reiterated the state’s stance on enforcing environmental laws.
Drainage Maintenance and Flood Preparedness
Wahab disclosed that the state would intensify year-round drainage maintenance across all local councils. He urged Lagosians to support government efforts by keeping waterways clean and refraining from blocking canals.
Floods Hit Niger and Adamawa States
Meanwhile, similar flood incidents were reported in Niger State, where torrential rainfall washed away farmlands in Lapai, Paikoro, and Mokwa Local Government Areas. Just last week, eight communities in Adamawa State were also submerged following days of heavy downpour.
Environmental Experts Call for Urgent Action
Environmental analysts warn that Lagos could see more severe impacts if long-term drainage masterplans are not implemented. Many have called for:
- Full enforcement of building regulations in flood-prone zones
- Public awareness campaigns on waste disposal
- Expansion of urban drainage infrastructure
- Early warning systems in vulnerable communities
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