By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
A surge of anxiety has gripped 20 Nigerian states following a fresh flood alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), with residents in high-risk zones already relocating to safer areas in anticipation of heavy rainfall and potential flash floods.
In its July flood forecast, NiMet warned of imminent flooding in states including Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue, Yobe, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Delta, Cross River, Kaduna, Ondo, Adamawa, Nasarawa, among others.
The agency advised residents to clear drainage channels, prepare emergency kits, and switch off gas and electrical appliances in flood-prone areas, emphasizing relocation where necessary and community awareness to prevent disasters such as mudslides.
Despite the disbursement of over ₦620 billion in ecological funds to state governments since 2012, critics say state-level responses remain weak, leading to recurring flood disasters.
Lagos Activates Emergency Measures
In Lagos, where flash floods struck parts of the state earlier in the week, the government attributed the situation to high tidal levels from the Atlantic Ocean and Lagos Lagoon.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle that emergency teams were deployed to tackle flooding in Ajegunle, Meiran, Lagos Island, Amuwo Odofin, and Ikoyi-Obalende.
“The flash flooding is due to increased tidal levels. We urge the public to stay calm and dispose of waste responsibly,” Wahab said.
Yet, residents like Olumide Samuel from Lekki voiced concerns.
“Every year, my area is affected. We’ve moved to my mum’s house as a precaution.”
Precautionary Moves in Other States
In Kaduna, residents near flood-prone Kigo Road New Extension have started relocating.In Ondo State, flooding in Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo LGAs has caused massive damage.
Felicia Oke of Eyin Ala, Akure said her family may soon relocate from their river-adjacent home.
Yobe State residents in Damaturu blamed poor drainage for recent floods affecting Gujba Road and parts of the CBN quarters.
Experts Urge Urgent, Collective Action
Environmental advocate Mayokun Iyaomolere condemned the inadequate preparedness of many states despite receiving ecological funds.
“The governments are trying, but it’s not enough. We can’t continue facing the same crises every year,” he said.
He called for:Robust disaster management frameworks, Establishment of IDP camps
Stronger grassroots engagement “Government alone can’t do it. Community participation is key to preventing another round of tragedy,” Iyaomolere stressed.
As rainfall intensifies across Nigeria, experts and residents alike warn that time is running out to prevent another devastating flood season.
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