The Ogun State Government has issued a flood alert, urging residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for potential flooding from September to November 2025, based on predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The government successfully managed the first flooding phase (March-July) through proactive measures like clearing drainage channels, public awareness campaigns, and enforcing environmental regulations. Residents were praised for keeping waterways clear and avoiding obstructions.
However, the second phase of heavy rainfall, expected from mid-September to November, poses a significant risk, with September forecast to receive 204mm of rainfall, October 190mm, and November 93mm. Vulnerable areas include coastal and riverine communities such as Iwopin, Ifaara, Oni, Makun, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island, and settlements near the Ogun River (Isheri, Warewa, Akute, Abeokuta), as well as areas along the ILO and Iju Rivers.
Flood risks may increase due to tidal fluctuations and controlled water releases from the Oyan Dam, where water levels have reached 58.47 meters above mean sea level. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is on high alert for evacuation operations, while the Ministry of Environment collaborates with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to manage dam releases.
Residents in at-risk areas are advised to relocate to safer zones. Fish farmers in low-lying areas like Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase, and Ayegbami are urged to harvest their stock immediately to avoid losses. Households using wells or boreholes should be cautious of water contamination.
Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stating, “We are dedicated to mitigating flood risks in Ogun State and will continue proactive measures to ensure safety. We urge residents to cooperate, as this is a shared responsibility.”
