The Lagos state government has advised those living along Ogun River banks to relocate to higher grounds as Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) starts release of water from Oyan dam.

The commissioner for environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the advice at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

According to him, the water release will help to maintain the sanctity of the dam and its socio-economic implications for Lagos state.

Mr Wahab said it was crucial to understand that the dam’s annual operations were informed by real-time hydrological data, rainfall predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

According to him, these sources guide the water release decisions to ensure both flood control and integrity of the dam.

He said the state government and the OORBDA admitted the concerns raised regarding the release of water from the dam.

He said that both authorities were mindful of its impact on surrounding communities, particularly those along the Ogun River water channels extending into Lagos State.

He said that from its released guidelines, OORBDA operated the dam in strict compliance with safety protocols to prevent structural damage and mitigate flood risks.

The commissioner said that a detailed operational report by OORBDA stated that the total water released from the dam as at October 12, stood at 1,484.2 million cubic metres (mcm).

He added that the volume remained below the average synthesised annual flow volume of 1,770 mcm.

He stressed that although rainfalls across the Oyan River catchment area had been significant, with a cumulative 984.1 mm recorded in 2024.

The commissioner said that it remained lower than 2023, 1,540.8 mm and within safe operational levels.

He explained that the dam was equipped with four radial gates capable of releasing up to 2,271 cubic metres per second (m³/s) during peak periods.

He said the current releases were measured at 208 m³/s, with only two gates opened at 12 per cent capacity each, ensuring controlled and steady discharge.

Mr Wahab added that 62.1 per cent of the dam’s flood control capacity remained intact with the dam not under any imminent threat of releasing excess water beyond safe limits.

He added that this was made possible through the state’s collaboration with OORBDA.

He said the state government recognised the challenge faced by residents in affected communities which included Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun as reported.

“However, I want to emphasise that while the flooding experienced in these areas has often been attributed solely to water released from the Oyan Dam, this is not entirely the case.

“In reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which converge and contribute to rising water levels in the affected areas,” Mr Wahab said.

He said these tributaries, combined with rain-induced runoffs, significantly exacerbate the flood situation, adding that this was a critical point to consider when addressing flood management strategies for this region.

Mr Wahab stated that in an effort to reduce the flood risks and ensure the free flow of water within the Ogun River system, OORBDA recently flagged off the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis.

He stressed that some right-of-ways along the catchment areas were protected and restored.

The commissioner added that the dredging project was a proactive measure to deepen the river channel and increase its capacity to convey water, thereby reducing the likelihood of flooding during periods of high inflow.

He said that the government was determined to maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with OORBDA to contain flooding.

Mr Wahab said that the partnership would ensure control and monitoring of the steady and systematic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream communities.

He said that the aim was to address humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

Wahab said that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang had been consistently de-silting and working on secondary collectors and conduits. to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.

He said the initiative was part of statewide measures to prevent flooding.

Mr Wahab appealed to Lagosians to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised places, throwing pet bottles on the roads, clogging of drains with silt or construction materials.

He also warned residents not to erect building structures within and around drainage right-of-ways/setbacks.

Mr Wahab added that residents should stop discharging human waste into drains/canals which encourages high siltation and vegetal growth that easily clogs the canals as these acts impede the free flow of water.

He urged Lagosians to report cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorised places to resident engineers offices statewide.

“I wish to appeal once again to our people to support our efforts by complementing the government through regular clearing of drains on their frontages,” he said.

He also urged Lagosian to ensure free-flow of storm water and to desist from dumping of refuse into drainage channels and roads.

Dignitaries present at the news conference included the permanent secretary, office of environmental services, Omobolaji Gaji and permanent secretary, office of drainage services, Mahamood Adegbite, and directors in the ministry.

(NAN)