By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Heavy rainfall on Wednesday triggered flash floods across major parts of Lagos State, disrupting movement, crippling businesses, and submerging communities. Maryland, Lekki, Ogba, and Ikorodu were among the worst-hit areas.
The downpour, which lasted several hours, left roads submerged, homes and shops damaged, and motorists stranded in gridlock.
Videos shared online showed residents wading through deep water while vehicles crawled through flooded streets.
In Maryland, an overflowing canal cut off access to the Mende community.
“People even swim to their houses,” said resident Chinasa Nnadi. Business owner Mr. Kalu lamented that floodwaters entered his shop.
In Ogba, Wempco Junction was submerged, stalling traffic and damaging cars. Commuter Tunji Abass blamed poor drainage, saying, “Sometimes, water even enters vehicles.”
Churches and businesses also counted losses. In Maryland, a church member said floodwaters destroyed musical equipment.
In Lekki, resident Victor Obinna admitted he sometimes sleeps at work to avoid flood chaos.
“Otherwise, I walk through water and get to work soaked,” he said. Ikorodu, which recently suffered heavy losses to flooding, was hit again.
Reacting, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, attributed the floods to the city’s coastal geography, tidal lock, and the intensity of rainfall.
He noted that drainage challenges and illegal constructions on floodplains worsened the situation.
Wahab said contracts had been awarded for drainage expansion, including a new pumping station in Lekki, and warned that illegal structures obstructing waterways would be demolished.
“The flooding was a flash flood and has since receded,” he said, stressing the need for residents to keep drains clean and avoid construction on floodplains.
Lagos loses billions of naira annually to flood-related damages, from property destruction and lost man-hours to public health risks posed by stagnant water.
