The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Lagos State to take proactive steps to reduce the impact of flooding as the 2026 rainy season approaches.
In a statement issued in Lagos, the Head of NEMA Lagos Operations, Mohammed Olatunde, said the warning follows the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), which categorised Lagos among high-risk flood zones.
According to Olatunde, thousands of communities across Nigeria have been identified as vulnerable, making early preparedness critical to preventing damage and loss.
He emphasised that flooding in Lagos is often worsened by human activities such as blocked drainage systems, poor waste disposal practices, and illegal construction on waterways.
The agency advised residents to regularly clear gutters and drainage channels to ensure the free flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Olatunde also warned against dumping refuse in canals and urged stricter compliance with environmental regulations.
Residents living in flood-prone areas were encouraged to consider relocating to safer locations ahead of peak rainfall periods.
Community leaders were tasked with raising awareness and enforcing environmental sanitation measures within their areas.
NEMA further recommended that households develop emergency preparedness plans, safeguard valuable belongings, and stay informed through weather forecasts and official alerts from agencies such as NiMet and NiHSA.
Motorists and pedestrians were also cautioned to avoid flooded roads, as moving through waterlogged areas poses serious safety risks.
Olatunde reiterated that taking preventive action is more effective and less costly than dealing with the aftermath of disasters.
Earlier in March 2026, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu warned that failure to address climate change risks could cost the state an estimated $40 billion by 2050, highlighting the urgency of flood mitigation strategies.
