The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has alerted residents to the possibility of flooding and strong winds as the rainy season begins, urging preparedness and compliance with environmental regulations.

The commissioner for environment, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a news conference with journalists at the Ministry of the Environment in Lagos.

Mr Wahab also issued a warning about seasonal climate predictions and their socio-economic implications for the state.

He said the predictions were based on the forecasts released on February 10 by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which indicated expected rainfall patterns, temperature changes, and other weather parameters across the country.

According to him, the state conducts the briefing annually as part of efforts to inform residents and prepare them for the expected impact of the rainy season and related weather events.

The commissioner said the 2026 prediction was based on a projected weak La Niña and a neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which could influence rainfall patterns.

A weak La Niña (cold phase) features slightly cooler-than-normal Pacific waters, causing minor shifts in rainfall and weaker global impacts, such as reduced Atlantic hurricane activity.

An ENSO-neutral phase is the normal state with no extremes, favouring typical seasonal weather patterns.

Mr Wahab said the forecast indicated an early-to-normal onset of the rainy season, a normal-to-late cessation, and normal-to-above-normal rainfall across the state. He added that temperatures were expected to be above normal between March and May.

“The year 2026 is predicted to start with a weak La Niña in January, while the neutral phase of ENSO is expected to persist within the first six to eight months of the year.

“This suggests an early onset of the rainy season, longer-than-normal duration, and delayed end of the rainy season in Lagos. As a result, above-normal rainfall amounts are anticipated in the first peak of the rainy season, while normal rainfall amounts are expected in the second peak of the rainy season.

“The rainy season is expected to start as early as the last week of March, while the end of the season is expected in the first week of December. Also, the average annual rainfall amount predicted is 1650 to 3030 mm,” he said.

The commissioner said rainfall was expected to begin on March 31 in Ikeja with a cessation date of December 2 and an estimated annual rainfall of 1,932 mm.

He added that Badagry was projected to experience rainfall from March 28 to December 3, with an annual rainfall of about 2,010 mm.

Mr Wahab said Ikorodu was expected to record rainfall from March 31 to December 2, with about 1,935 mm, while Lagos Island was projected to have rainfall from March 30 to December 2 with about 1,968 mm.

He added that Epe was expected to record rainfall from March 29 to December 3, with an annual rainfall of about 1,984 mm.

According to him, the average rainfall expected across the state’s 20 local government areas is about 1,965 mm.

Mr Wahab said Lagos and neighbouring Ogun State were likely to experience above-normal rainfall.

He warned that heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in some parts of the state, while strong winds at the onset and end of the rainy season could pose a risk.

The commissioner said the state government had strengthened its monitoring system through its network of weather and river-gauge stations to improve preparedness for weather- and flood-related incidents.

He also said that the ministry was collaborating with NiMet on seasonal climate predictions to provide early warning tools for farmers, planners, and businesses likely to be affected by rainfall patterns.

Mr Wahab added that the state had intensified flood control measures, including year-round drainage maintenance and sustainable solid waste management.

He said the government was also maintaining strong collaboration with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water releases from the Oyan Dam to prevent flooding along downstream sections of the Ogun River.

According to him, low-lying communities such as Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, and Ajegunle are closely monitored due to the possibility of flooding from the Ogun River.

Mr Wahab also said the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency had been placed on alert to ensure compliance with safety regulations for billboards and telecommunications masts in view of expected strong winds.

He added that emergency response and traffic management agencies had been placed on high alert to reduce the impact of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

The commissioner appealed to residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse and construction on drainage channels, noting that such practices contribute significantly to flooding.

He urged residents living along flood plains in areas such as Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, and Shibiri to remain vigilant and be prepared to relocate to safer areas if necessary.

He also urged motorists to observe speed limits during the rainy season to avoid accidents.

Mr Wahab appealed to residents to regularly clear around their homes to ensure the free flow of storm water and support government efforts to prevent flooding across the state.

(NAN)