As the rainy season intensifies across West Africa, officials in Nigeria’s Ogun State have issued an urgent call for action. The government is urging residents living near major rivers—including the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule—as well as those in coastal communities, to temporarily relocate in anticipation of significant flood risks predicted between late September and mid-October. Authorities warn that failing to heed this advisory could leave communities exposed to severe disruptions, property losses, and even threats to life.
Growing Concerns Over Flooding in Ogun State
This alert stems from the newly released 2025 Ogun State Midterm Flood Alert, signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya. According to the statement, the coming weeks will test resilience in areas situated along waterways and the state’s coastline, particularly as the region enters the second—and most dangerous—phase of seasonal flooding.
Communities most at risk, according to the official notice, include Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju, as well as coastal areas like Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, and Ifaara (Ogun Waterside). Additional areas mentioned are Ebute-Imobi (in Ijebu East), Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in the Ipokia Local Council. Local leaders and residents in these regions are being advised to monitor updates and begin orderly relocation to higher ground or safer environments.
Why Is This Flood Risk So High?
Experts and disaster managers point to a combination of environmental and human factors increasing the state’s vulnerability this year:
- Heavy rainfall: Above-average rainfall is expected, soaking already saturated ground.
- River overflow: Increases in water flow from the upstream regions—especially from the north of Nigeria and neighboring countries like Benin—are likely to cause river banks to burst.
- Sea water rise/tidal lock: For coastal settlements, the rise of sea levels and tidal surges may restrict water from draining, so floods linger longer.
- Oyan Dam water release: Officials also anticipate that release of water from the Oyan Dam will further burden downstream communities along the Ogun River.
Dr Oresanya’s warning urges families not to ignore these signals, as similar combinations in past years have led to major evacuations and property losses. “They are to relocate to safer environments between the last week of this month and the second week of October because of the expected impact of overflow from these rivers and sea water rise/tidal lock in their communities, due to expected high rainfall and inflow from the northern part of the country and neighbouring countries like Benin into Ogun and Lagos states downstream. The situation of the Ogun River may also be compounded by the release of water from Oyan Dam,” the statement reads in part.
Realities for Local Communities: Stories, Challenges, and Solutions
Flooding in Ogun State has a long history of disrupting lives. For many families in riverside and coastal areas, moving out—even temporarily—comes with significant difficulties. Some lack the means to relocate or fear leaving homes unprotected, especially for those whose livelihoods are tied to farming, fishing, or trading in these communities.
“It’s not just about water coming into our houses,” says Mrs. Taiwo, a resident of Akute. “Our crops can be ruined, and sometimes we have nowhere to take our animals. Where will all of us go?” Authorities acknowledge these challenges, promising to work with local councils and community leaders to coordinate safe evacuation and provide temporary shelter if needed.
Flooding Beyond Ogun: A West African Perspective
Ogun’s situation is emblematic of a wider problem in the Gulf of Guinea. Each rainy season, communities in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and even Côte d’Ivoire face recurrent flooding exacerbated by climate change, poor urban planning, deforestation, and blocked drainage systems. According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, rainfall variability is increasing, and West Africa could see more frequent severe weather events in coming years. Dam releases and swollen rivers do not recognize national boundaries, and cooperation between countries has become essential.
In Ogun, officials are strengthening ties with Lagos State and regional governments to improve early warning systems and disaster response, while also urging the federal government for more infrastructural investment in embankments and drainage.
What Can Residents and Communities Do?
- Monitor official updates: Rely on credible sources and ignore rumors. Local radio, the state’s Ministry of Environment, and social media updates provide the latest information.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Pack essentials—medications, water, food, and vital documents—in advance.
- Plan ahead: Discuss relocation plans with family members, neighbors, and community groups. Know where temporary shelters are located.
- Protect valuable items: Move valuables to higher levels in your home or to a safe, dry location.
- Engage local leaders: Work with traditional rulers, faith-based groups, and NGOs for support and guidance.
Residents are urged not to wait until floodwaters rise before acting. “Experience has shown that early action not only saves lives but prevents chaos when severe flooding strikes,” says Dr. Oresanya.
Looking Ahead: Will Flood Risks Decrease?
Reducing long-term flood risk involves both immediate emergency response and broader, structural action: investing in modern drainage, reforestation, stricter zoning laws, and floodplain management. Urbanization without adequate drainage, as seen on Lagos’s outskirts, only increases exposure to future disasters. Some experts advocate for better regional coordination, so dam releases upstream are communicated to all at-risk communities downstream across borders.
For now, the Ogun State Government’s warning is clear: the coming weeks require vigilance, preparation, and a willingness to cooperate for the safety of all.
Get Involved: Share Your Experience and Stay Safe
Have you or your family experienced flooding in Nigeria or elsewhere in West Africa? What practical advice or warnings would you add for others facing this situation? How can communities and governments better prepare for the challenges of climate-induced weather events?
Drop your comments below, share your story with us, and let’s keep the conversation going. And, if you know anyone living in flood-prone areas, pass on this information—it could make a crucial difference.
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