The Lagos State Government has urged residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flooding as the 2026 rainy season approaches.
State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said during a press briefing on Friday that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasted an early to normal onset of the rainy season, normal to late cessation, and normal to above-normal rainfall, with temperatures likely to be above average between March and May.
Wahab said rainfall is expected to begin as early as the last week of March and end in the first week of December, with an average annual rainfall of about 1,965mm across the 20 local government areas.
He provided a breakdown for key divisions: Ikeja (March 31–December 2; 1,932mm), Badagry (March 28–December 3; 2,010mm), Ikorodu (March 31–December 2; 1,935mm), Lagos Island (March 30–December 2; 1,968mm), and Epe (March 29–December 3; 1,984mm).
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The commissioner warned that heavy rainfall and strong winds could lead to flooding, damage to property, disruption of commercial activities, and flight delays.
Low-lying communities such as Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, and Shibiri are particularly at risk.
Wahab noted that the state government has intensified flood control measures, including all-year drainage maintenance, solid waste management, monitoring of river levels, and collaboration with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to manage water release from the Oyan Dam.
He also said the Flood Early Warning System has been strengthened, and emergency and traffic agencies are on high alert.
Residents were advised to clear drains around their homes, avoid dumping waste in drainage channels, observe speed limits while driving, and follow government warnings to relocate to higher ground if necessary.