Heavy Downpour Leaves Lagos Commuters And Motorists Stranded Amid Widespread Flooding
A heavy downpour early Thursday morning triggered widespread flooding across several areas of Lagos State, leaving commuters and motorists stranded as major roads were submerged in water. The flood impacted key routes such as the Ojota-Yaba Expressway, Ago Palace Way, Iyana-Oworo, and Egbeda areas, disrupting traffic and daily activities.
Mr. Oduche Azih, a resident of the Okota area, described the severe flooding in his neighborhood, attributing it to a blocked drainage system that affected over a kilometer of land, including Fasheun Drive. He lamented the recurrent nature of the problem, noting that floodwaters had infiltrated homes, including his own. “My entire compound was between ankle-deep and knee-deep depending on the location,” he said, questioning whether the Lagos State Government and local authorities were aware of the issue.
Videos shared on social media showed residents expressing frustration, with many pedestrians and vehicles struggling to navigate the flooded streets. One user, Lucy Nkem, noted the severity of the rain, stating, “The rain in Lagos was just too heavy. It was really difficult going out today.”
The flooding also worsened traffic conditions, particularly on routes from Alapere to the Third Mainland Bridge and along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road, where vehicles were seen moving at a slow pace through the water. Residents like Olawale called for government action, citing the inadequate drainage system as the primary cause of the recurring floods. Another commuter, Idowu Olabisi, shared her difficulties, saying, “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?”
On social media, user Eldivyn highlighted the Ago Palace Way’s severe flooding, pointing out that similar conditions were likely occurring across other parts of the city. “Small rain and the entire city turns into a cesspool. Sad way to live,” he commented.
The flooding forced many motorists to park their vehicles on major roads, fearing damage to their engines due to the high water levels. One pedestrian described the scene as a “disaster zone,” with several cars trapped or abandoned due to the flood’s intensity.
In response to Lagos’ persistent flooding issues, the state government recently commenced construction on the nearly five-kilometer System 44 drainage channel, designed to mitigate flooding in the Lekki area. This project, which spans the Mobil Road, Ogombo, and Ikota, is part of efforts to manage the city’s flood risks ahead of future rainy seasons.
