Heavy rainfall on Sunday disrupted movement across Lagos as flash floods submerged major roads, leaving motorists stranded and causing hours of traffic congestion in several parts of the state.
The downpour, which started around midday and continued for several hours, overwhelmed drainage systems in many areas, forcing vehicles to navigate through flooded roads while some motorists abandoned their cars after they became trapped in rising waters.
Checks showed that several major routes, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Oshodi, Agege, Ikeja, Alimosho and Obalende, were affected by the flooding.
The situation disrupted commercial activities as transport operators struggled to move through waterlogged roads, while many commuters were forced to trek long distances after some public transport services were suspended due to the worsening conditions.
The flooding occurred days after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warned of widespread rainfall and possible flash floods in parts of the country, urging residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures.
Some motorists blamed the recurring flooding on blocked drainage channels, poor waste disposal practices and inadequate maintenance of drainage infrastructure across the metropolis.
A motorist trapped along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Johnson Alaba, said blocked drainage channels worsened the situation.
“The blocked drainage channels worsened the flooding situation. The entire road is submerged, no movement. The drainage channel is not functional here,” he said.
Another motorist, who identified himself as Tony, said he struggled through floodwaters while driving from Isolo to Mile 2, attributing the situation partly to heaps of refuse dumped along the expressway.
He called on the state government to intensify efforts in removing illegal waste dumps and improving drainage systems to prevent possible health risks.
Residents in affected communities also urged the government to strengthen drainage maintenance and enforce environmental regulations, noting that recurring floods continue to disrupt businesses and daily activities whenever heavy rainfall occurs.
Reacting to the development, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to remain calm, describing the flooding as temporary and expected to recede within a short period.
Wahab explained that flash flooding is common in coastal cities during periods of intense rainfall, especially when high tidal movements affect the ability of drainage channels to discharge stormwater into the lagoon.
He said the state government had continued to implement drainage maintenance programmes and improve waste management systems to reduce the impact of flooding.
According to the commissioner, rising lagoon water levels during high tides can temporarily block drainage outlets, causing water to accumulate on roads until the tide recedes.
He advised residents to avoid activities that worsen flooding, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocking waterways, illegal construction on drainage paths and encroachment on flood channels.
Wahab added that sustained investment in drainage infrastructure and enforcement of environmental regulations had contributed to reducing the severity of flooding across Lagos in recent years.
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