Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across several parts of Lagos, leaving homes submerged, roads impassable and localized power outages in multiple communities as residents battled rising floodwaters. The latest downpour affected areas including Gbagada, Ikeja, Lekki, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, disrupting traffic, businesses and daily activities.
Several motorists were forced to abandon broken-down vehicles after attempting to drive through flooded roads, while residents in low-lying neighbourhoods reported water entering homes. Flooding also caused severe congestion along major routes, including sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, with transport services temporarily disrupted.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over Lagos’ waste management challenges. Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, publicly apologised to residents over persistent waste evacuation failures, admitting that refuse collection had been “very bad” in recent months. He acknowledged that blocked drainage channels worsened flooding in some areas but insisted the state government had begun implementing reforms to improve waste evacuation and modernise the system.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also directed waste management agencies to intensify round-the-clock refuse evacuation while accelerating long-term reforms, including investments in waste-to-energy projects and a transition toward a circular waste economy. Officials say these measures are intended to reduce blocked drainage systems and improve flood resilience across the state.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has repeatedly warned that above-normal rainfall is expected this season, with Lagos remaining particularly vulnerable because of its coastal location and rapid urbanisation. Authorities have advised residents to avoid driving through flooded roads, clear drainage around their homes and remain alert as more heavy rainfall is forecast in the coming days.
