NEMA intensifies flood preparedness in Lagos, warns high-risk communities
NEMA Enhances Flood Preparedness Across Lagos State
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is intensifying its efforts to prepare for potential flooding in Lagos State, focusing on communities identified as vulnerable in the 2026 flood forecast.
Mohammed Olatunde, Head of Operations at NEMA’s Lagos Territorial Office, shared details about the agency’s readiness for the rainy season and its initiatives to mitigate the impacts of possible flood disasters.
Olatunde noted that projections from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicate that regions including Badagry and Epe may experience heavy rainfall, leading to a heightened risk of flooding. Additionally, he highlighted Alimosho, Ikeja, and Surulere as areas at risk of flash floods due to expected intense rainfall. Residents in Ikorodu and Isheri have been advised to stay alert due to potential water releases from the Oyan Dam.
To address these concerns, NEMA has implemented a proactive disaster-risk reduction strategy that includes tailored flood warnings for specific locations and increased public awareness campaigns in at-risk communities.
“We do not just broadcast general warnings. Technical information is translated into simpler terms and shared through WhatsApp groups, phone calls, and SMS to community leaders in flood-prone local government areas,” Olatunde explained.
He emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement, stating that NEMA is conducting sensitization programs through emergency management volunteers across Lagos State. The agency is also collaborating with NIHSA to provide weekly updates to ensure residents receive timely information on potential flood threats.
Olatunde further noted enhanced collaboration with the Lagos State Government and key agencies, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. This partnership is focused on improving drainage maintenance, environmental sanitation, and waste management to reduce flood-related risks.
He highlighted that effective drainage systems are vital in preventing flooding. The agency has prioritized the clearing and maintenance of primary and secondary drainage channels ahead of the peak rainy season.
In addition to these efforts, Olatunde identified indiscriminate waste disposal and construction on natural floodplains as major human activities contributing to flooding in Lagos. He indicated that NEMA is supporting regulatory authorities in enforcing measures to discourage these practices.
Olatunde commended the Lagos State Government for reinstating the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, calling it a crucial step in preventing drainage blockages and enhancing environmental hygiene. Scheduled for the last Saturday of each month, the exercise encourages residents to clean their surroundings, clear drainage channels, and dispose of waste appropriately through the Lagos Waste Management Authority.
He urged all residents to actively participate in environmental sanitation initiatives, emphasizing that collective responsibility is key to reducing flood incidents and preventing sanitation-related diseases throughout the state.
