Lagos state government has issued a strong warning to residents against indiscriminate waste disposal, highlighting the dangers of blocked drainage systems and flooding during rainy season. 

The state commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab made this known during a press briefing on the 2025 seasonal climate prediction. 

He urged citizens to act responsibly and report waste dumping in canals or drainage blockages to the appropriate authorities. 

He emphasised the importance of responsible waste disposal, warning that careless actions could lead to severe flooding, disruption of daily life, and even loss of property. 

Wahab appealed to motorists to exercise caution during the rainy season by adhering to prescribed speed limits to avoid accidents. 

He noted that the annual climate briefing is part of the government’s proactive measures to keep the public informed and prepared for weather-related events.

Referencing data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), he said Lagos would experience early and prolonged rainfall in 2025 due to the neutral phase of the El-Niño Southern Oscillation. 

He warned that above-normal rainfall levels were expected, with the season beginning in late March and ending in early December, adding that the state would closely monitor water levels from neighbouring Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states, as well as dam releases, which could contribute to flooding. 

The commissioner also cautioned that heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods in some areas, with strong winds at the beginning and end of the rainy season posing risks to lives and property. 

To mitigate these risks, he assured the public that the government had intensified flood control measures, including year-round drainage maintenance and a network of weather monitoring stations. 

Wahab also highlighted the state’s ongoing collaboration with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water releases from the Oyan Dam and prevent downstream flooding. 

He urged residents to support government efforts by keeping their surroundings clean and ensuring that drains remain unblocked. 

“I wish to appeal once again to our people to support our efforts by regularly clearing tertiary drains in front of their properties. This will ensure the free flow of stormwater and prevent the dumping of refuse into drainage channels,” he said.