Vehicular and business activities were disrupted across parts of Lagos State on Wednesday following hours of heavy rainfall that triggered flash floods in several communities.
Areas worst hit included Maryland, Lekki, Ogba, and Ikorodu, where residents and business owners lamented that their homes and shops were overrun by water. Videos circulating on social media also showed residents wading through flooded neighbourhoods, while motorists struggled to navigate submerged roads.
At Olatunji Street in Maryland, the overflow of a canal cut off access to the adjoining Mende community.
A resident, Chinasa Nnadi, said the flood had become a recurring nightmare.
“This has been happening for years. Vehicles can hardly go in or out. Some people even swim to their houses. It is so bad that many have relocated because of the flood,” she said.
Another resident and business owner, Kalu, said he was stunned by how quickly the water spread across the street.
“I watched people scoop water out of their homes after it entered their houses. My shop was also affected,” he said.
Christiana, a church member in the area, said the worship centre was not spared.
“The flood destroyed some of our musical instruments. Once the canal overflows, the water enters the church and causes extreme damage,” she lamented.
The downpour worsened traffic gridlock across Lagos as vehicles broke down on waterlogged roads. At the Ogba-Wempco junction, floodwaters slowed vehicular movement, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
One commuter, Tunji Abass, said:
“Traffic was painfully slow. Sometimes water even enters people’s vehicles. The government needs to fix this as soon as possible.”
Another resident, Victor Obinna, who works in Ikate, said he often sleeps in the office to avoid being trapped.
“Whenever it rains, the road to my office is flooded. Sometimes I get soaked halfway before reaching work, so I prefer to stay back at the office,” he said.
The Lagos State Government, in response, sympathised with affected residents and assured that measures were being taken to address the recurring problem.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that Lagos, being a coastal city, remained vulnerable to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall and tidal lock.
He disclosed that flooding in Lekki’s Kusenla area was due to a technical challenge, adding that the government had awarded a project for the construction of a pumping station to solve the problem. He also linked flooding near House on the Rock church to illegal construction on floodplains and indiscriminate refuse dumping.
“Clear infractions were observed in some of the videos shared yesterday. Illegal structures, obstructions, and reclamations without proper approvals will be promptly removed,” Wahab said.
He appealed to residents for cooperation, stressing the need to keep drains clear and avoid building on floodplains.
“We assure residents that yesterday’s flooding was a flash flood and has since receded. The ministry remains committed to strengthening flood management systems, but it requires the support of all Lagosians. Together, we can build a safer, cleaner, and more resilient Lagos,” he added.
