The Lagos State Government has urged residents to prepare for possible flooding and strong winds this year, warning that there could be above-normal rainfall across the state, with the rainy season projected to begin as early as the last week of March and end in early December.
Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Predictions, based on forecasts released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on February 10.
According to Wahab, Lagos is expected to record an average annual rainfall of about 1,965 millimetres across the state, with some areas experiencing higher volumes during the first peak of the rainy season.
“The rainy season is expected to start as early as the last week of March, while the end of the season is projected for the first week of December. The average annual rainfall predicted for Lagos ranges between 1,650mm and 3,030mm,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the forecast is influenced by a projected weak La Niña and a neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is expected to persist for the first six to eight months of the year, resulting in an early onset and longer duration of rainfall.
Breakdown of the projections shows that Ikeja is expected to record about 1,932mm of rainfall, Badagry about 2,010mm, Ikorodu 1,935mm, Lagos Island 1,968mm, and Epe approximately 1,984mm, with rainfall beginning between March 28 and March 31 across the locations.
Wahab warned that the predicted rainfall levels could trigger flash floods in low-lying parts of the state, while strong winds expected during the onset and cessation of the rainy season could pose risks to lives, property, and commercial activities, including possible flight delays.
He said the government had intensified flood prevention measures, including year-round drainage maintenance and improved solid waste management, to ensure effective stormwater management.
The state is also working closely with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to regulate the release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent downstream flooding along the Ogun River.
As part of precautionary measures, Wahab said Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo and Ajegunle communities are being closely monitored due to their vulnerability to flooding from the Ogun River.
He added that the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has been placed on alert to ensure compliance with safety regulations for billboards and telecommunication masts, particularly due to strong winds expected during the rainy season.
The commissioner also noted that tidal movements in the lagoon sometimes prevent drainage channels from discharging stormwater, which can temporarily cause flooding until water levels recede.
He urged residents, particularly those living along flood plains such as Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota and Shibiri, to remain vigilant and be ready to relocate to safer grounds when necessary.
Wahab appealed to Lagosians to support government efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels, clearing drains in front of their homes, and reporting blocked drains to drainage engineers stationed across the state’s 57 local government and local council development areas.
He also called on motorists to observe speed limits during heavy rains, noting that temporary water accumulation during rainfall is sometimes normal and usually drains off quickly.
“Residents must refrain from activities that can worsen flooding, such as dumping waste in canals, blocking drains with construction materials or building on drainage setbacks,” Wahab said.
Source: businessday.ng/
2nd-4th June 2026 | Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria