Torrential rains turn Nigeria’s economic capital into a watery nightmare as residents flee flooded homes and commuters remain stranded
Lagos residents woke up to a city under siege yesterday as relentless rainfall lasting over 12 hours transformed streets into rivers, submerged homes, and brought Africa’s largest city to a grinding halt.
The downpour, which began Sunday and intensified through Monday morning, left motorists abandoned in floodwaters, parents keeping children home from school, and businesses shuttered across the metropolis.
CITY UNDER WATER
Major arteries including Lagos-Oshodi Expressway, Lekki-Epe Expressway, and Funsho Williams Avenue became impassable as floodwaters rose to knee and waist levels. Viral videos showed vehicles floating like toy boats and residents wading through toxic floodwater, desperately calling for government intervention.
“Many roads have been flooded, making it extremely difficult for people to get to work,” lamented Yaba resident Mr. Wasiu. “Some parents were afraid to allow their children to go to school because drainage channels are blocked and overflowing.”
TRAFFIC CHAOS, FARES SPIKE
The Oshodi-Maryland bridge was completely submerged by 11 am, trapping vehicles in hours-long gridlock. Commercial transport operators capitalized on the crisis, hiking fares while bus stops stood eerily empty as commuters sought shelter.
In Ikeja and Agege, several roads became inaccessible, forcing commercial bus operators to suspend services entirely on some routes.
ISASHI RESIDENTS FLEE HOMES
The hardest-hit communities included Ago Palace Way, Gbagada, and parts of Isashi in Iba LCDA, where residents abandoned homes to the rampaging flood. Mr. Joel Ubah, who completed his four-bedroom bungalow just two months ago, now watches helplessly as every room fills with water.
“The canal at the back of the house is not flowing. The major bridge and waterway at Obadore are being sand-filled,” he cried, warning that more buildings could collapse if rains continue.
GOVERNMENT SCRAMBLES, ISSUES WARNINGS
Commissioner for Environment Tokunbo Wahab acknowledged the crisis, blaming climate change and illegal encroachment on drainage channels for the devastation.
“We won’t lie to residents. We are going to experience flash flooding,” Wahab stated bluntly.
The government has ordered immediate demolition of buildings on drainage alignments at Mehabond Estate, Lekki, and vowed to stop Federal Government’s reclamation project at Kuramo Beach, which officials say threatens to worsen flooding.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels statewide.
NO CASUALTIES REPORTED
While no official casualties have been confirmed, teachers report severe disruption to education, with attendance plummeting during heavy rainfall.
“Whenever there is heavy rainfall, attendance drops significantly because parents fear for their children’s safety,” said primary school teacher Mr. Ade Bambo.
