Heavy rainfall that lasted for several hours has caused widespread flooding across major parts of Lagos, leaving roads submerged, houses flooded, and thousands of residents stranded.
The downpour, which began late Sunday and continued into Monday, disrupted movement across the state and brought business activities to a near standstill in several areas.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that many residents woke up to flooded streets and overflowing drainage channels as water levels rose rapidly in several communities.
Some of the worst-hit areas include Lekki, Victoria Island, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Gbagada, Oworonsoki, Yaba, Oyingbo, Maryland, Ojota, and parts of Ikorodu Road. Major roads, including Lagos-Oshodi Expressway, Abeokuta Expressway, and Lekki-Epe Expressway, became difficult to access due to heavy flooding.
The flood also affected residential buildings, with several homes taking in water. In some areas, residents were seen scooping water out of their homes in an effort to protect their belongings.
Vehicular movement was heavily disrupted as floodwaters covered major roads. Several motorists were trapped in traffic for hours, while others abandoned their vehicles after roads became impassable.
At the Ojota-Maryland axis along Ikorodu Road, floodwaters reportedly overwhelmed the bridge area, leaving vehicles stranded and worsening traffic congestion across connecting routes.
Commercial activities also suffered major setbacks. Many shops, offices, and business centers remained closed, while several bus stops recorded low passenger traffic as commuters sought shelter from the rain.
Parents in many parts of the state also kept their children at home due to safety concerns, fearing the dangers posed by flooded roads and blocked drainage channels.
Residents expressed frustration over the recurring flood crisis, with many questioning the effectiveness of ongoing drainage and flood control measures in the state.
A resident of Yaba, Mr Wasiu, described the flooding as a recurring problem that continues to affect daily life.
“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,” he said.
He also noted that transportation costs surged as commercial drivers adjusted fares due to difficult road conditions.
A school teacher, Mr Ade Bambo, also spoke on the impact of the flooding on education.
“I had to make my way to school, but 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 and parts of Gbagada, residents described the flooding as one of the worst in recent months.
“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, who identified himself as Kunle, said.
Public transport operations were also affected in several flooded areas. Some bus and tricycle operators suspended operations entirely, while others avoided heavily flooded routes due to safety concerns.
As traffic pressure increased on alternative routes through Anthony, Maryland, and Ojota, commuters faced long delays and rising transport fares.
Despite the widespread flooding, there were no official reports of casualties as of the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the situation, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said flash flooding may continue due to climate change and existing environmental challenges.
He said the government remains committed to improving drainage infrastructure and strengthening flood control systems across the state.
Wahab also blamed the worsening flooding on blocked drainage channels and illegal activities by residents and property developers who continue to obstruct water channels.
He concluded that emergency response measures were activated in affected areas following the prolonged rainfall.