The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert, urging residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, gave the warning in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Oresanya said the alert was based on the seasonal climate prediction of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which projects intense rainfall across the state from September.
According to him, Ogun could record average rainfall of about 360mm in September, with the possibility of river and coastal flooding in vulnerable areas.
He attributed the relatively limited impact of flooding during the first phase of the rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, to the government’s sustained public awareness campaigns and regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels.
He said improvements in waste management had also helped reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.
The commissioner, however, warned that prolonged rainfall, controlled releases from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could cause flooding by affecting the flow of the Ogun River and temporarily saturating wetlands and floodplains.
He specifically advised residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain vigilant and relocate where necessary.
The warning also covers coastal communities 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.
Oresanya also advised fish farmers operating in floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise potential losses.
He particularly urged fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, alongside operators in other vulnerable communities, to act without delay.
The commissioner called on ministries, departments and agencies, local governments, emergency response organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood preparedness and response measures.
He also urged community leaders to strengthen public awareness campaigns, stressing that early information and timely action remained critical to reducing the impact of flooding.
Oresanya assured residents that the state government would continue implementing measures to minimise the effects of flooding across Ogun State.