Ogun Issues Fresh Flood Alert, Urges Residents in Vulnerable Areas to Relocate

The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning, urging residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary as the state prepares for increased rainfall in September.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, issued the warning following a forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Ogun among the states expected to experience heavy rainfall in the coming weeks.

According to NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, the second phase of the rainy season is expected to begin in September, with Ogun projected to record average rainfall of about 360mm during the month.

Oresanya said the state government would continue monitoring weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders.

He warned that the expected heavy rainfall could increase the risk of river and coastal flooding in several parts of the state.

According to him, prolonged rainfall, controlled water releases from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could slow the flow of the Ogun River, resulting in temporary oversaturation of wetlands and floodplains.

The Commissioner specifically advised residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as vulnerable areas of Abeokuta, to remain alert and move to safer locations when necessary.

The warning also covers several coastal communities, including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia; as well as communities located along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju rivers.

Oresanya also urged fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise potential losses.

He specifically advised fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, alongside those in other vulnerable areas, to act on the warning without delay.

The Commissioner said the first phase of the 2026 rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, brought intense rainfall and isolated flash floods to parts of the state, but the overall impact was relatively limited.

He attributed the situation to proactive measures implemented by the government, including public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, and improvements in waste management.

He noted that particular attention had been given to major waterways, including the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.

Oresanya called on government ministries, departments and agencies, local government authorities, emergency response organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood preparedness and response measures.

He also urged authorities to monitor vulnerable locations regularly and ensure that drainage channels remain free of obstructions.

Community leaders were encouraged to strengthen awareness campaigns within their communities, with the Commissioner stressing that early information and timely action would be critical to reducing the impact of possible flooding.

Meanwhile, the state government’s relocation advisory has generated mixed reactions, with some residents reportedly expressing concerns over their preparedness for possible flooding.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and General Manager of the state Waste Management Authority, Akintunde Farook, called for improved attitudes towards waste disposal.

Farook said responsible waste management and proper disposal practices would be essential in helping to keep drainage channels clear and reduce the potential impact of flooding.

The state government assured residents that it would continue monitoring developments and provide further updates, urging residents to take the warning seriously and remain responsive to instructions from relevant authorities and emergency agencies.