Torrential rainfall brought commercial and vehicular activities to a standstill across Lagos State as flash floods submerged major roads, leaving numerous motorists and commuters stranded for hours in traffic gridlocks. The heavy downpour, which started around noon and lasted until approximately 4 p.m., inundated major highways and inner-city roads, trapping several vehicles in floodwaters and causing others to break down, which aggravated the traffic situation across the metropolis.
Assessments of the situation showed that critical routes such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oshodi, Agege, Ikeja, Alimosho, Obalende, and the Lekki-Epe Expressway were heavily flooded, severely disrupting the movement of people and commodities. Many motorists were forced to temporarily abandon their vehicles, while commercial bus operators found it difficult to navigate the waterlogged corridors. In multiple areas, commuters resorted to trekking long distances after public transport operators suspended operations due to the rising waters.
The incident occurred just days after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast thunderstorms and widespread rainfall across the federation, warning that flash floods could happen in some states during the period. The agency had previously advised residents living in vulnerable locations to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the heavy rains intensified.
Affected motorists and commuters expressed deep frustration over the situation, attributing the severe flooding to blocked drainage networks, indiscriminate waste disposal, and poor maintenance of existing drainage infrastructure. One of the affected motorists trapped along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Johnson Alaba, stated, “The blocked drainage channels worsened the flooding situation. The entire road is submerged, no movement. The drainage channel is not functional here.”
Another motorist, who identified himself simply as Tony, narrated his experience while navigating the flooded Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. Tony said, “I practically swam through the flood from Isolo to Mile 2 along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway with my car. The problem was compounded by heaps of refuse dumped along the expressway. The state government should live up to its responsibility and deal with the issue of refuse dumps along the roads. If care is not taken, the state may witness a serious epidemic.”
Residents in several affected communities voiced concerns that recurring flash floods have continued to hamper economic and commercial activities during prolonged rainfall. They urged the state government to scale up drainage maintenance and strictly enforce environmental sanitation laws.
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, appealed to residents to remain calm, maintaining that the flooding experienced across the state was temporary and would naturally recede within a few hours. He explained that flash flooding is a common occurrence in coastal cities globally during periods of intense rainfall and should not be confused with prolonged flooding.
Wahab stated, “Let me assure you that our State will continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous planning, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall.” He further noted, “To ensure a flood-free and hygienic environment in the state, the Ministry has embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme for effective and efficient flood control, in addition to an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system.”
The commissioner added that the state government was working closely with relevant agencies to minimize the impact of flooding across the state. He said, “To effectively contain flooding in our state, we are determined to continue the long-established synergy and partnership with relevant authorities. It is only when such floods remain on the roads for several hours that we can report that a particular area is flooded. I therefore wish to plead with the media to educate our public in order to dispel panic.”
Providing the scientific reasons behind the flash floods, the commissioner explained that rising lagoon water levels during high tides frequently block stormwater from discharging freely into the lagoon. He said, “We all need to be wary of another contributory factor to flooding, which is the rise in lagoon level. Anytime there is high tidal movement, it may ‘lock up’ the discharge points of drainage channels and until it recedes, there will be no discharge. Such occurrences also cause backflow, resulting in flash flooding. But as soon as the lagoon water level recedes, all the generated stormwater will immediately be discharged, and our roads will be free. To our people, we sincerely appeal that they refrain from acts that can lead to flash flooding, such as encroachment, illegal reclamation, among other acts of indiscipline by residents. They should stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised places, clogging drains with silt or construction materials, and erecting structures within and around drainage rights of way and setbacks.”
The commissioner linked the noticeable reduction in severe flooding across Lagos over recent years, despite persistent heavy rainfall, to the steady investment of the state government in resilient drainage infrastructure and strict enforcement of environmental codes. Wahab concluded, “Resilience and intentional enforcement have been responsible for the improved drainage system in Lagos.”
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