Lagos is bracing for a wet ride! The Lagos State Ministry of Environment has announced that the city is expected to experience above-normal rainfall this year, with the rainy season kicking off by the last week of March and wrapping up by the first week of December. The average annual rainfall is forecasted to range from 1,650mm to 3,030mm, with some areas receiving significantly more water during the first peak of the rainy season.
In light of this, the Chairman of Itire Ikate LCDA, Hon Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel, is taking proactive measures to mitigate flooding and its adverse consequences. Kudos to him! He has initiated an ongoing desilting and cleaning up of major drainage blockers, and the environmental department is already on the ground, carting away dried sand and silt from critical areas, including Ramoni Street, Ikate, Temidire Street, Ikate, and the Ashimowu canal. Other danger-prone drainages will follow suit.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab emphasized that these predictions are based on forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), which indicate expected rainfall patterns, temperature changes, and other weather parameters. The state is conducting this briefing annually to inform residents and prepare them for the expected impact of the rainy season and related weather events.
The 2026 prediction is influenced by a projected weak La Niña and a neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which could impact rainfall patterns. A weak La Niña features slightly cooler-than-normal Pacific waters, causing minor shifts in rainfall and weaker global impacts. ENSO-neutral phase means no extreme weather patterns, favouring typical seasonal weather.
To mitigate flooding, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has intensified flood control measures, including year-round drainage maintenance, sustainable solid waste management, and collaboration with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority. They are also installing weather stations and river gauges to monitor rainfall and river levels.
Residents are advised to cooperate with the ongoing work and join in clean-up exercises to avoid any havoc the weather condition might bring. It is a collective effort, folks! Let us work together to keep our city safe and dry.
Hon Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel’s efforts are commendable, and it is clear that he is committed to making a difference in Itire Ikate LCDA. By taking proactive measures, he is setting an example for others to follow. Let us rally behind him and support the ongoing work.
The ministry has also placed emergency response and traffic management agencies on high alert to reduce the impact of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Residents in low-lying areas, such as Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, and Ajegunle, should remain vigilant and be ready to relocate if water levels rise.
It is not just about the government; it is about us, the citizens. Let us take responsibility for our environment and do our part in keeping our city clean and safe. Dispose of waste properly, clear your drains, and report any blockages to the authorities.
Let us work together to beat the flood! The stakes are high, but with collective effort, we can mitigate the impact of the rainy season. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s ride this wave together!
In conclusion, Hon Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel’s proactive measures are a step in the right direction. With the support of residents and the ministry’s efforts, we can navigate this rainy season with minimal disruptions. Let us keep our city clean, safe, and dry!
WRITTEN BY:
PASTOR LEO OFFOR
Chief Press Secretary to Hon Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel, Executive Chairman Itire Ikate LCDA Lagos