Flood: ‘We’re going through a lot’ – Lagosians lament

Residents of Lagos State have taken to the internet to express their displeasure at the floods that have overtaken different parts of the state.

Persistent rainfall since Sunday has caused many to be displaced, schools and workplaces to be shut, among others.

Commenting on the development in an X post Tuesday, gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)  in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour wrote, “The flooding we are witnessing across Lagos is yet another reminder that waste management, stormwater drainage, and urban planning are inseparable. You cannot neglect one and expect the others to function effectively…

“Despite repeated promises, the city continues to flood year after year, with no comprehensive drainage strategy or innovative approach to building a climate-resilient Lagos…

“Sadly, poorly regulated sand filling, unchecked development, the destruction of wetlands, and weak urban planning have displaced several vulnerable communities and exposed millions of residents to damaged homes, ruined vehicles, lost businesses, and reduced productivity. “

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier forecast that 2026 would witness above-normal rainfall, with Lagos expected to experience a greater impact due to its coastal geography and low-lying terrain.

Writing on X, @abazwhyllzz wrote, “Lagos residents are going through a lot this rainy season.”

@Morris_Monye shared a video and added, “Just look at the flooding going on round Lagos. My goodness. If a toddler falls down here, it’s finished.”

@Accoid commented, “I was so early into that Ikorodu road flood yesterday, I quickly maneuvered my way into ilupeju where I saw line up of Mercedes Benz all parked, I turned around inward town planning towards Onipanu, that was how I escaped that Ikorodu road flooding stress.

“At Kayode onipanu , I saw flood layered with heap of waste caused mostly by road side vendors.

“Lagos people, stop selling by the road side, you’re causing traffic and also clogging the gutters!

“By the time I joined ikorodu road from onipanu, not a single car on the highway, Every human driving from Anthony , Obanikoro were stuck behind.”

@Vibesznnz disagreed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway under construction was the cause of the flooding, “The coastal road is not the cause of the flooding in Lagos. Eko Atlantic, which is close to the road, is not flooded. So how can areas far away be flooded and people blame the road? That logic doesn’t add up.”

Also, @e_galoti wrote, “The Lagos flood situation is crazy. It used to seem like a joke when people talked about using canoe during the rainy season. Now it’s looking real.”

Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said on X on Monday, while commenting on the suggestion that roadside vendors should be stopped to protect drainage, that Lagosians must take responsibility.

He said, “As a government, we have continued to intensify efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding through the clearing of drainage channels, enforcement against illegal developments obstructing waterways, and other proactive interventions. At the same time, we appeal to all Lagosians to play their part by refraining from indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal dumping, and other activities that obstruct the free flow of stormwater.

“Given NiMet’s forecast, the risks associated with heavy rainfall remain significant. Government will continue to do its part, but safeguarding lives and property also requires the cooperation and collective responsibility of every resident.”