Torrential Downpour Paralyses Lagos, Leaving Motorists Immobilised and Communities Submerged

Heavy rainfall on Wednesday precipitated severe flash flooding across numerous communities in Lagos State, resulting in widespread paralysis of vehicular movement and commercial activity. The inundation left countless motorists stranded for hours, with major thoroughfares becoming impassable due to the rapid accumulation of water.

Affected areas included Maryland, Lekki, Ogba, and Ikorodu, where residents and business owners confronted significant disruption. The deluge invaded homes and commercial premises, compelling individuals to wade through submerged streets. On Olatunji Street in Maryland, an overflowing canal severed access to the adjacent Mende community, creating a recurrent problem for locals. One resident, Chinasa Nnadi, reported that the situation has persisted for years, with some individuals opting to relocate permanently to escape the annual ordeal.

The economic impact is considerable, with one church in the area facing costly damage to its musical instruments. The cumulative economic cost of such flooding events in Lagos is estimated to run into billions of naira annually, accounting for property damage, lost productivity, and heightened public health risks from waterborne diseases.

In response, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, expressed sympathy for affected residents. He clarified that the flooding around the Kusenla area in Lekki stemmed from a technical issue where the downstream level is higher than the existing drainage system. He also attributed part of the problem to illegal construction on floodplains and the dumping of refuse into drains, notably near the House on the Rock church. The commissioner assured the public that the state is investing in drainage infrastructure and will remove illegal structures, while appealing for residents’ cooperation in maintaining clear drains and avoiding construction on floodplains.