The Ogun Government has issued a fresh flood alert ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, advising residents in vulnerable communities to relocate to safer locations where necessary.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, gave the warning in a statement made available in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Oresanya said the advisory followed a forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) identifying Ogun among states expected to experience heavy rainfall during the year.
He said the first phase of the rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods in parts of the state, but with relatively minimal impact due to proactive measures by the government.
These measures included public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, as well as improvements in waste management.
The commissioner said NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction indicated that the second phase of the 2026 rainy season was expected to begin in September, with rainfall averaging about 360mm during the month.
He warned that prolonged rainfall, controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could result in river and coastal flooding, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Oresanya advised residents in Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary.
He also listed coastal communities including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara, Igele, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island and Agosasa, as well as communities along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers, among areas covered by the advisory.
The commissioner urged fish farmers operating within floodplains and river corridors, particularly those in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise potential losses.
He called on relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, local government authorities, emergency response organisations and community leaders to intensify flood-response activities and public awareness.
Oresanya assured residents that the government would sustain efforts to minimise the impact of flooding across the state.
