The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised Lagos residents on precautionary measures to adopt to mitigate flood risks during the rainy season.

The Head of Lagos Operations, NEMA, Mohammed Olatunde, said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Mr Olatunde said the warning aligns with the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) which listed Lagos among states at high risk of flooding.

“The outlook identified thousands of communities nationwide as vulnerable and urged early preparedness to reduce losses,” Mr Olatunde said.

He stressed the need for proactive disaster risk reduction to prevent loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of property during the peak season.

Mr Olatunde attributed recurring floods largely to human activities, including blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and construction on natural waterways.

He advised residents to regularly clear gutters and drains to ensure free flow of water and avoid dumping refuse in canals and drainage channels.

He urged people in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds and called on community leaders to promote awareness and enforce environmental compliance.

He also advised households to prepare emergency plans, protect valuable assets, and stay updated with weather forecasts and early warning alerts.

Mr Olatunde warned motorists and pedestrians against moving through flooded areas, citing serious risks to life and property.

He appealed to residents to take warnings from NiMet and NiHSA seriously to minimise the impact of flooding.

He stated, “Prevention is far cheaper and better than cure.”

The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the launch of its flood insurance cover for Lagos State in March 2026, warned that inaction on climate change could cost the wider state government around $40 billion by 2050.

(NAN)