Heavy rainfall in Lagos and Kaduna States has displaced hundreds of households, left commuters stranded, and renewed concerns about recurrent urban flooding.
In Lagos, torrential downpours on Monday caused severe traffic congestion along the Ikorodu Road axis, with flash floods particularly affecting the stretch from Anthony towards the Odo-Iyalaro Bridge. Earlier in the day, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported gridlock on Eko Bridge inbound Apongbon, while descending from Eko Bridge and ascending CMS Bridge also experienced delays due to flooding at Offin Canal, near the foot of CMS Bridge.
Traffic from the CMS Bridge ascent towards Apongbon and the UBA Roundabout, however, remained relatively smooth.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, provided updates on the situation, praising the efforts of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG).
In a post on X, he described the clearing operation at Odo Iya Alaro Bridge, Maryland, after the early morning rainfall, as evidence of the agency’s ongoing interventions.
Actor Saidi Balogun also weighed in, sharing a video on Instagram in which he attributed the flooding to irresponsible waste disposal by residents. He lamented that gutters had been blocked by refuse along Ikorodu Road and Maryland, worsening the impact of the rains.
Kaduna State has also been reeling from the effects of heavy rainfall. Downpours between 4 and 5 September displaced 545 households and damaged 171 homes in Kaduna North Local Government Area.
The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Usman Mazadu, said the agency carried out a joint assessment with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Red Cross, Christian Aid, and the State Fire and Public Safety Agency.
Kigo Road Community was identified as the worst affected, with 69 buildings and 276 households impacted. Other areas hit included Rifin Guza, Shooting Range, Kabala Costain, Bashama Road, Tudun Wada, Ungwan Rimi, and Malali G.R.A. A private nursery and primary institution, Merits Kids Academic School, was also damaged.
Mazadu said the assessment would inform government intervention, which would prioritise temporary shelter, food, and medical support for displaced residents. He confirmed that a displacement camp had been set up at Girls Primary School, Kigo, and assured that relief efforts would continue.
“Beyond immediate response, we are developing a recovery plan to help affected communities rebuild and reduce future risks,” he stated.