By Fabian Ekeruche
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised residents of Lagos State to adopt precautionary measures to reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
The Head of Lagos Operations at NEMA, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, gave the advice in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
Olatunde said the warning aligns with the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which listed Lagos among states at high risk of flooding.
“The outlook identified thousands of communities nationwide as vulnerable and urged early preparedness to reduce losses,” he said.
He stressed the need for proactive disaster risk reduction to prevent loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of property during the peak of the rainy season.
Olatunde attributed recurring floods largely to human activities, including blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and construction on natural waterways.
He advised residents to regularly clear gutters and drains to ensure the free flow of water and to avoid dumping refuse in canals and drainage channels.
He also urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds, while calling on community leaders to promote awareness and enforce environmental compliance.
Olatunde further advised households to prepare emergency plans, safeguard valuable assets, and stay updated with weather forecasts and early warning alerts.
He warned motorists and pedestrians against moving through flooded areas, citing serious risks to life and property.
He appealed to residents to take warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and NiHSA seriously to minimise the impact of flooding.
“Prevention is far cheaper and better than cure,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the launch of a flood insurance cover for Lagos in March 2026, warned that inaction on climate change could cost the state government about 40 billion dollars by 2050.
