Commercial and transport activities across Lagos were severely disrupted on Sunday after Lagos flash floods submerged major highways and inner-city roads, leaving thousands of motorists and commuters stranded for hours.
The downpour, which began around noon and continued until approximately 4 p.m., triggered widespread flooding across several parts of the metropolis. Many vehicles became trapped in floodwaters, while others broke down, resulting in prolonged traffic congestion and restricting the movement of people and goods.
A survey of affected areas showed that several key transport corridors experienced severe flooding during the rainfall. Among the impacted routes were the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oshodi, Agege, Ikeja, Alimosho, Obalende and the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
In many locations, motorists abandoned their vehicles temporarily as rising water levels made movement impossible. Commercial transport operators also suspended services on some routes, forcing numerous commuters to trek long distances to reach their destinations.
The latest incident followed an earlier forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which warned of widespread rainfall and possible flash flooding in several states, urging residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant.
Several motorists and commuters affected by the Lagos flash floods attributed the situation to blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate refuse disposal and inadequate maintenance of drainage infrastructure. One affected motorist, Johnson Alaba, who was trapped along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, expressed frustration over the flooding.
“The blocked drainage channels worsened the flooding situation. The entire road is submerged, no movement. The drainage channel is not functional here,” he said.
Another motorist, identified simply as Tony, described his experience while driving through the flooded expressway.
“I practically swam through the flood from Isolo to Mile 2 along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway with my car. The problem was compounded by heaps of refuse dumped along the expressway. The state government should live up to its responsibility and deal with the issue of refuse dumps along the roads. If care is not taken, the state may witness a serious epidemic.”
Residents of several flood-prone communities also voiced concerns over the recurring disruption of commercial and economic activities whenever prolonged rainfall occurs. They called on authorities to strengthen drainage maintenance and enforce environmental sanitation regulations more effectively.
Reacting to the situation, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents not to panic, describing the flooding witnessed across many parts of the state as temporary.
He explained that flash flooding is common in coastal cities during periods of intense rainfall and should not be confused with prolonged flooding. According to Wahab, the state government has continued to strengthen flood control measures through year-round drainage maintenance and sustainable waste management initiatives.
“Let me assure you that our State will continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous planning, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall,” he said.
The commissioner added that government agencies are working together to minimise the impact of flooding and improve public safety.
Wahab explained that rising lagoon water levels during high tides often prevent stormwater from draining freely into the lagoon, causing temporary flooding in many parts of Lagos. He noted that when discharge points become blocked by elevated lagoon levels, stormwater backs up into surrounding roads until tidal levels recede.
The commissioner appealed to residents to avoid actions that worsen flooding, including illegal land reclamation, encroachment on drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse disposal and the dumping of construction materials into drains.
He also attributed the noticeable reduction in severe flooding experienced in recent years to sustained investments in drainage infrastructure and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations. According to Wahab, resilience and consistent enforcement have played a significant role in improving Lagos’ drainage system despite increasing rainfall intensity.
