Flood risk looms as Lagos predicts above-normal rainfall

The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible flooding and heavy rains as the 2026 rainy season approaches.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning on Friday while presenting the state’s climate outlook based on forecasts released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Wahab said the forecast indicated an early start to the rains, a longer season and above-normal rainfall across parts of the state.

“This also implies an early onset of the rainy season, a longer-than-normal length and a delayed end of the rainy season in Lagos,” he said.

He warned that the projected rainfall could trigger flash floods in vulnerable areas and disrupt economic activities.

“Lagos State is expected to experience above normal rainfall… it is also expected that the high amounts of rainfall sometimes would lead to flooding events in parts of the state.

“Because strong winds are expected during the onset and the end of each rainy season, lives and properties may be at risk. Commercial activities disruption, flight delays and resulting revenue loss could arise,” Wahab added.

The commissioner said the state had strengthened drainage maintenance, flood monitoring systems and emergency response measures to reduce the impact of the expected downpours.