The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, 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 identified Ogun among the states expected to experience heavy rainfall during the year.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the state government 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, with comparatively minimal impact.
Oresanya attributed the relatively low impact to proactive measures by the government, including sustained public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, as well as improvements in waste management.
He said particular attention had been given to major waterways, including the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.
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.
However, Oresanya warned that prolonged rainfall, controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could increase the risk of river and coastal flooding in some parts of the state.
He explained that tidal fluctuations could impede the flow of the Ogun River, while the combined effects of the factors could temporarily oversaturate wetlands and floodplains.
The commissioner therefore advised residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as communities in parts of Abeokuta, to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas where necessary.
The warning also covers coastal communities such as 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 located along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers.
Oresanya also urged fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly to reduce potential losses.
He specifically advised fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, as well as those in other flood-prone communities, to act on the warning without delay.
The commissioner called on relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, local government authorities, emergency response organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify flood-response measures.
He urged authorities to maintain regular monitoring of vulnerable locations and ensure that drainage channels remain free of obstructions.
Community leaders were also encouraged to strengthen public awareness campaigns, with Oresanya stressing that timely information and early action were crucial to reducing the impact of possible flooding.
He said the state government would continue monitoring weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders.
Oresanya assured residents that the government would sustain efforts to minimise the impact of flooding across Ogun State.
He also appealed to residents to take the advisory seriously and remain responsive to further updates from the government and relevant emergency agencies.
