Torrential downpour causes widespread flooding in Lagos, submerging vehicles and stranding commuters

Areas most affected included Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, and Oworonshoki. Social media videos showed long queues of stationary vehicles and pedestrians wading through deep floodwaters. Residents described the rainfall as one of the heaviest in recent weeks, disrupting movement and business.

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo expressed shock at the flooding on Bourdillon Road. A frustrated motorist lamented the recurring issue, stating he was stuck in traffic for hours. Some commuters attributed the persistent flooding to ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the flooding was largely due to a significant rise in the lagoon water level, which had increased by approximately one meter, impeding stormwater discharge. He appealed for patience, expecting the situation to normalize as rainfall subsides and lagoon levels recede. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency's NEMA Lagos Operations Office conducted a flood impact assessment in Surulere communities, including Orile, Coker, Aguda, Itire, Ikate, and Ijesha.

NEMA reported that homes and businesses were inundated, causing property damage, livelihood disruption, and restricted movement. The agency attrib