A torrential downpour early Thursday morning wreaked havoc across several neighborhoods in Lagos State, resulting in widespread flooding that stranded countless commuters and motorists.
Major thoroughfares such as the Ojota-Yaba Expressway, Ago Palace Way, Iyana-Oworo, and areas around Egbeda were severely affected, with floodwaters surging into the streets.
Residents shared harrowing accounts of the flooding’s impact on their lives. Mr. Oduche Azih, a local from Okota, informed The PUNCH that the situation was exacerbated by the complete blockage of over a kilometer of drainage leading to the communal effort bridge at Fasheun Drive.
“Today, we had flooding, again, in our street and the entire neighborhood. I am sure that the sad news from extended distances will start coming in later as the residents get a handle on the devastation,” he lamented.
Azih described the flooding in his compound as ranging from ankle-deep to knee-deep, depending on the area.
“Floodwater seeped through the walls into my lower-level living room,” he added, expressing frustration at the apparent inaction of local authorities. “Is it possible that the Lagos State Government and its Oshodi/Isolo and Alimosho Local Government counterparts are unaware of this situation?”
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos, with residents voicing their anger and disappointment over the recurring flooding.
Footage showed pedestrians and vehicles struggling through the deluge, while some vehicles were left stranded. Lucy Nkem, an X user, shared her frustration, “The rain in Lagos was just too heavy. It was really difficult going out today.”
Traffic congestion ensued, stretching from Alapere to the Third Mainland Bridge, as the flooded roads slowed down movement significantly.
At Egbeda-Akowonjo Road, vehicles navigated the water at a snail’s pace, further illustrating the dire situation.
Olawale, a frustrated local, remarked, “This is not the first time we’re experiencing flooding in this area. The government needs to do something about our drainage system. We can’t continue like this.”
Another resident, Idowu Olabisi, described her arduous journey to work, noting, “It was tiring for me going to the office today. The flood was so terrible, and it did not even rain for up to an hour. How can a city like Lagos be so vulnerable to flooding?”
The extent of the flooding was evident in another post on X by a user named Eldivyn, showcasing a submerged area in Ago Palace Way. “This is Ago Palace. Someone shared this with me. I’m sure if you’re on the Island, you’re seeing something similar as well. Lagos has a problem, and if we like, we can close our eyes and pretend it doesn’t. Small rain and the entire city turns into a cesspool. Sad way to live,” he noted.
It was gathered that that some motorists had no choice but to abandon their vehicles on major roads as the water rose too high for safe passage.
“It was like a disaster zone today. Some vehicles were even stuck, while some were parked because of the volume of the water. It could damage their engines if they continue driving in the flood,” a pedestrian, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted.
In response to the ongoing flooding challenges, the Lagos State Government had previously announced the commencement of construction on the nearly five-kilometer System 44 drainage channel along Mobil Road, Ogombo, and Ikota.
This project is intended to enhance flood control in the Lekki area ahead of the rainy season.
However, for many residents, the measures seem insufficient given the current plight they endure with each downpour.
