Ogun Issues Fresh Flood Alert, Warns Vulnerable Communities

The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, urging residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary.

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the warning followed a forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicating that Ogun was among states expected to experience heavy rainfall. He said the second phase of the rainy season would begin in September, with the state expected to record average rainfall of about 360mm during the month.

Oresanya said the first phase of the rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods in parts of the state, although the impact was relatively minimal due to government measures, including public awareness campaigns, maintenance of waterways and drainage channels and improved waste management.

He said particular attention had been given to major waterways, including Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.

However, the commissioner warned that prolonged rainfall, controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could trigger river and coastal flooding, temporarily oversaturating wetlands and floodplains and increasing the risk to vulnerable communities.

The government urged residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary. Coastal communities including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara, Igele, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island and Agosasa were also listed among areas at risk.

Oresanya also advised fish farmers operating within floodplains and river corridors, particularly those in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise potential losses from flooding.

He called on ministries, departments and agencies, local governments, emergency response organisations and community leaders to intensify flood-response measures, monitor vulnerable areas and ensure that drainage channels remain free of obstructions.

The commissioner urged community leaders to strengthen public awareness and stressed that timely information and early action were critical to reducing the impact of flooding.

Oresanya said the state government would continue monitoring weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other stakeholders.

He assured residents that the government would sustain measures to minimise flooding across the state, urging them to take the advisory seriously and remain responsive to further updates from the government and emergency agencies.