Heavy rainfall on Sunday brought commercial and vehicular activities to a standstill across Lagos as flash floods submerged major roads, stranded motorists and commuters, and triggered hours-long traffic gridlock in several parts of the state.
The downpour, which began around noon and lasted until about 4 p.m., inundated highways and inner-city roads, leaving many vehicles trapped in floodwaters while others broke down, worsening congestion across the metropolis.
Checks across the state showed that major routes, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oshodi, Agege, Ikeja, Alimosho, Obalende and the Lekki-Epe Expressway, were heavily flooded, disrupting the movement of people and goods.
Many motorists were forced to temporarily abandon their vehicles, while commercial bus operators struggled to navigate waterlogged roads.
In several locations, commuters trekked long distances after transport operators suspended services due to rising floodwaters.
The flooding comes days after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the country, warning that flash floods could occur in vulnerable states and advising residents to take precautionary measures.
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to remain calm, insisting that the flooding witnessed in many parts of the state was temporary and would naturally recede within a few hours.
He explained that flash flooding is common in coastal cities during periods of intense rainfall and should not be mistaken for prolonged flooding.
“Let me assure you that our state will continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous planning, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall,” Wahab said.
“To ensure a flood-free and hygienic environment in the state, the ministry has embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme for effective and efficient flood control, in addition to an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system.”
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The commissioner added that the state government was working closely with relevant agencies to minimise the impact of flooding across Lagos.
“To effectively contain flooding in our state, we are determined to continue the long-established synergy and partnership with relevant authorities.
It is only when such floods remain on the roads for several hours that we can report that a particular area is flooded. I therefore wish to plead with the media to educate our public in order to dispel panic,” he said.
Wahab attributed the temporary flooding to rising lagoon water levels during high tide, explaining that such conditions often prevent stormwater from flowing freely into the lagoon.
“We all need to be wary of another contributory factor to flooding, which is the rise in lagoon level. Anytime there is high tidal movement, it may lock up the discharge points of drainage channels and until it recedes, there will be no discharge.
“Such occurrences also cause backflow, resulting in flash flooding. But as soon as the lagoon water level recedes, all the generated stormwater will immediately be discharged, and our roads will be free.”
He also urged residents to refrain from activities that contribute to flooding, including illegal reclamation, encroachment on drainage channels, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and erecting structures along drainage rights-of-way.
According to the commissioner, the noticeable reduction in severe flooding across Lagos in recent years, despite increasing rainfall, is the result of sustained investment in resilient drainage infrastructure and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
“Resilience and intentional enforcement have been responsible for the improved drainage system in Lagos,” Wahab stated.