The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, urging residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary.
The warning followed the latest forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Ogun State among areas expected to experience heavy rainfall during the year.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, the government said the first phase of the 2026 rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods in some parts of the state, but with relatively minimal impact.
Oresanya attributed the situation to the proactive measures taken by the state government, including sustained public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, as well as improvements in waste management services.
He said the government had paid particular attention to major river channels and waterways, including the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams, among others.
According to the Commissioner, NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction indicates that the second phase of the 2026 rainy season is expected to begin in September, with Ogun projected to record intense rainfall averaging about 360mm during the month.
He added that rainfall in the inland parts of the state was expected to decline from October into early November.
Oresanya, however, warned that the period could trigger river and coastal flooding in some parts of the state due to prolonged rainfall, controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations, which could affect the flow velocity of the Ogun River.
He explained that the combined effect of these factors could lead to temporary oversaturation of wetlands and floodplains, thereby increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
The Commissioner therefore advised residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain vigilant and relocate to safer locations where necessary.
The advisory also covers coastal communities, including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East Local Government Area; Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area; and communities situated along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers.
Oresanya further urged fish farmers operating within floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to reduce potential losses that could result from flooding.
He specifically advised fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, as well as those operating in other vulnerable locations, to heed the warning without delay.
The Commissioner also called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government Authorities, emergency response organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood-response activities.
He urged the relevant authorities to maintain regular monitoring of vulnerable locations and ensure that drainage channels remain free from obstructions.
Community leaders were also advised to strengthen public awareness campaigns in their respective communities, as Oresanya stressed that timely information and early action were critical to reducing the impact of possible flooding.
The Commissioner said the state government would continue to monitor 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 assured residents that the government would sustain efforts aimed at minimising the adverse effects of flooding across the state.
Oresanya also appreciated residents for their cooperation with government measures, which he said had contributed to the relatively low impact of flooding recorded during the first phase of the rainy season.
He urged residents to take the latest advisory seriously and remain responsive to further updates from the state government and relevant emergency management agencies.
