Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant economic centre, has once again faced significant flooding following intense rainfall. Daily life activities have been disrupted as several areas — including residential areas and major transport routes — are submerged.
Key parts of the city such as Lekki, Mile 2, Apple Junction and major transport routes have been affected, causing severe challenges for commuters. The flooding is not just a seasonal inconvenience; it is a recurring urban crisis.
Why Lagos Floods So Easily
Clogged drainage systems — often due to improper waste disposal, encroachments, and illegal constructions on floodplains and waterways — have worsened the flooding problem. According to the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, blocked drainage accounts for up to 50% of urban flood incidents in the city.
The problem is not limited to Lagos alone. Nationwide, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that in 2022, flooding displaced 1.3 million Nigerians, killed over 600 people, and destroyed over 200,000 homes. Lagos, being low-lying and coastal, is considered by the World Bank to be among the top 10 cities globally at risk of flooding due to climate change.
Health Risks of Flooding
Standing or walking inside stagnant or floodwater poses major health risks:
Waterborne Diseases: Floodwater can carry bacteria like E. coli, viruses, and parasites, causing infections such as cholera, typhoid, or diarrheal illnesses. With 70–80% of Lagos residents living in flood-prone informal settlements, vulnerability is even higher.
Skin Infections: Contact with contaminated water often leads to rashes, cuts, or fungal infections.
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing risks of malaria and dengue.
Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection spreads through water contaminated with infected animal urine.
Psychological Stress: Floods not only damage homes and livelihoods but also fuel anxiety, displacement trauma, and long-term stress.
Safety Hazards in Floodwaters
Slip and Fall Risks: Water makes surfaces slippery and unpredictable.
Hidden Hazards: Sharp debris, open manholes, or submerged electrical wires increase dangers.
Structural Damage: Prolonged flooding weakens foundations, bridges, and roads.
Contamination of Food & Water Sources: Unsafe water increases outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases.
Precautions Everyone Should Take
Ensure proper sanitation and hygiene; avoid dumping waste in drains to reduce blockages.
Avoid walking through floodwater, especially when you have open cuts or wounds.
If unavoidable, use protective gear (rubber boots, gloves).
Desilt drainage systems around homes and businesses — it should not be left for the government alone.
Support and comply with government flood control initiatives for collective resilience.
The Way Forward
Floods like those in Lagos and across Nigeria underscore the urgent need for a collaborative approach — involving government, communities, and individuals. If over 1.4 million Nigerians are displaced annually due to floods, then preventing them is no longer just a matter of convenience, but of public health and survival.
Urban resilience depends on sustainable city planning, proper waste management, and shared responsibility. Together, Lagos can transform flooding from a seasonal disaster into a manageable challenge.
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