The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert as the second phase of the 2026 rainy season begins, urging residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas, where necessary.
The warning followed a forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Ogun among states expected to experience heavy rainfall in the coming weeks.
According to NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction, the second phase of the rainy season is expected to begin in September, with Ogun projected to record average rainfall of about 360mm during the month.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the anticipated rainfall could heighten the risk of river and coastal flooding, particularly in areas exposed to prolonged rainfall, controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations that could slow the movement of water along the Ogun River.
He explained that the combined effect of the factors could temporarily saturate wetlands and floodplains, increasing the likelihood of flooding in vulnerable communities.
Oresanya advised residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain alert and relocate to safer locations where necessary.
He also identified several coastal and riverine communities considered vulnerable, including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia; and communities along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju rivers.
The commissioner further advised fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to reduce potential losses.
He specifically mentioned fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, urging them and operators in other vulnerable areas to act without delay.
Oresanya said the government was monitoring weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders.
He said the first phase of the 2026 rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, brought intense rainfall and isolated flash floods to parts of the state but resulted in comparatively minimal damage.
According to him, the limited impact was partly due to proactive measures by the government, including sustained public awareness, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, and improvements in waste management.
He said particular attention had been given to waterways and major river channels, including the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.
The commissioner called on ministries, departments and agencies, local government authorities, emergency response organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood-prevention and response measures.
He also urged authorities to monitor vulnerable locations and ensure that drainage channels remain free of obstructions.
Community leaders, he said, should strengthen public awareness campaigns in their areas, stressing that early information and timely action remained critical to reducing the effects of flooding.
Meanwhile, the government has also called for improved attitudes towards waste disposal as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the expected rainfall.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and General Manager of the state Waste Management Authority, Akintunde Farook, urged residents to properly dispose of waste and support measures aimed at keeping drainage channels and waterways unobstructed.
The government assured residents that it would sustain efforts to minimise the impact of flooding across the state and urged residents to take the latest advisory seriously while remaining responsive to further updates from government and emergency agencies.
