A heavy downpour on Monday disrupted commercial activities across several parts of Lagos, as widespread flooding submerged roads, stranded motorists and commuters, and caused severe traffic congestion.
Among the worst-affected areas were Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island and Oworonshoki, where rising floodwaters left several vehicles partially submerged.
Videos shared on social media showed long queues of vehicles trapped in traffic, while many pedestrians were forced to walk through knee-deep floodwaters to reach their destinations.
Residents described the rainfall as one of the heaviest in recent weeks, saying it delayed business activities and reduced productivity across the state.
Residents React to Flooding
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo expressed concern after witnessing flooding along Bourdillon Road, describing the situation in a video shared on social media.
Another motorist, speaking in a video circulated online, said he had been trapped in traffic for about two hours, blaming the flooding for the gridlock and describing the situation as increasingly frustrating.
Some commuters alleged that ongoing construction linked to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway may have contributed to the flooding, although no official evidence has been provided to support the claim.
Another resident, Abel Kalu, who shared footage from Ikoyi, criticised what he described as inadequate drainage infrastructure, saying roads in the area flood even after moderate rainfall.
Lagos Government Explains Cause of Flooding
Reacting to the situation, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, attributed the flooding to a significant rise in the lagoon’s water level.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Wahab said the lagoon had risen by about one metre, preventing stormwater from draining effectively into it.
He explained that the elevated water level caused temporary flooding in some parts of the state but expressed confidence that the floodwaters would recede as rainfall subsides and the lagoon level drops.
The commissioner appealed to residents to remain patient, exercise caution and cooperate with government agencies monitoring the situation.
NEMA Assesses Flood Damage
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), through its Lagos Operations Office, carried out a flood impact assessment in parts of Surulere following the rainfall.
The exercise was conducted after a request by the lawmaker representing the constituency, Lanre Okunlola.
Communities assessed included Orile, Coker, Aguda, Itire, Ikate and Ijesha.
According to NEMA, several homes and business premises were flooded, resulting in damage to property, disruption of livelihoods and restricted movement.
The agency attributed the flooding to heavy rainfall, blocked drainage channels and poor maintenance of drainage infrastructure.
Residents appealed for food supplies, emergency relief materials and improvements to drainage systems to reduce future flooding.
NEMA said its findings would be forwarded to the relevant authorities to support humanitarian assistance and urged residents to avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels and to report emergencies promptly to the appropriate agencies.
