Torrential Rain Grounds Lagos, Triggers Widespread Flooding

Torrential rainfall that lasted more than 12 hours has submerged several parts of Lagos, leaving roads and homes flooded, disrupting commercial activities and trapping commuters across the state.

Areas worst affected include Oshodi, Ikeja, Yaba, Oworonshoki, Gbagada, Victoria Island, Lekki, Agege, Oyingbo, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abeokuta Expressway and the Lekki-Epe Expressway, where floodwaters rendered several roads impassable. Many residents bailed water from their homes, while parents kept children away from school over safety concerns.

The flooding also forced many businesses to shut their doors as commercial bus operators suspended services on several routes, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. Motorists abandoned vehicles in some locations as traffic built up across major highways.

Residents described the flooding as a recurring challenge and called on the government to provide lasting solutions.

"Many roads have been flooded, making it extremely difficult for people to get to work. Some parents were also afraid to allow their children go to school because many drainage channels are blocked and overflowing," a Yaba resident, Wasiu, said.

A primary school teacher, Ade Bambo, said the flooding had become a major setback to education whenever heavy rain occurred.

"Most of my pupils could not come because of the flood. Whenever there is heavy rainfall, attendance drops significantly because parents fear for the safety of their children," he said.

In Ago Palace Way, Okota, and parts of Gbagada, rising floodwaters submerged roads and left vehicles stranded.

"It started as a normal rainfall, but within an hour, the entire road was covered. Many cars were stuck while pedestrians had no option but to wade through waist-deep water," a resident, Kunle, said.

Communities in Isashi, Iba, Ojo and Okokomaiko were also affected, with some residents abandoning their homes after floodwaters inundated buildings.

One of the affected residents, Joel Ubah, appealed for urgent government intervention.

"I completed the house in April 2025 and moved in May 2025. I can't stay there now. All the rooms are flooded. If the rains continue, many buildings may collapse," he said.

Responding to the situation, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the flooding was caused by an extreme rainfall event worsened by climate change, blocked drainage channels and encroachment on wetlands and waterways.

"We are going to experience flash flooding. Various drainage contracts have been awarded and resilient measures are in place, but we will not tolerate encroachment on drainage alignments, floodplains and natural water channels," Wahab said.

The commissioner announced that the state would remove illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and waterways, insisting that environmental regulations would be strictly enforced regardless of ownership.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels as part of efforts to improve stormwater management and reduce flooding across the state.

The state government urged residents to remain calm, saying it would continue monitoring flood-prone areas while intensifying drainage infrastructure and enforcement against illegal developments obstructing the free flow of stormwater.