Umar Mohammed, Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), stated that recent severe flooding in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria was anticipated by the agency. He noted that earlier warnings and forecasts issued by NiHSA were largely ignored by relevant authorities. According to Mohammed, the current situation is only the beginning of a rainy season expected to peak between August and September.
Lagos faces a unique environmental challenge due to its topography, with some areas lying below sea level. The city is susceptible to urban, riverine, and coastal flooding simultaneously. Mohammed explained that stagnant, debris-filled drainage systems have exacerbated the issue, turning flooded streets into pond-like environments that cannot easily drain. This, combined with water overflow from the Ogun River, creates a dangerous situation that could persist for another three months.
The agency is also monitoring the quality of drinking water, as they anticipate significant contamination risks for residents in affected areas. Despite NiHSA’s efforts to provide data and advance warnings, the Director General expressed frustration regarding the lack of cooperation from state governments in implementing flood mitigation strategies. As it stands, residents should expect an on-and-off pattern of flooding that may not fully subside until November.
