FIC Report (Lagos State) – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office has conducted a comprehensive flood impact assessment across six wards in the Apapa Local Government Area.
This is following devastating rainfall that left homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure submerged.
All these were detailed in a photo statement shared on the agency’s X account on Monday.
According to the release, the operation which was recently carried out spanned Ward E, Ward F, Ward G, Ward H, Ward I, and Ward J, with NEMA officials working closely with ward representatives from communities such as Ladejobi, Arewa, Ojora, Baale Street, Oke-Oja, Church Street, Zion street and Adeleye.
Explaining the objectives of the assessment, NEMA said the mission was designed “to determine the extent of damage, identify the underlying causes of the flooding, document the number of affected persons and structures, highlight the immediate needs of residents, and sensitise the communities on the implications of NIMET’s weather predictions while emphasising the importance of proactive and collective action.”
Poor Waste Management
The evaluation revealed that a lack of adequate drainage infrastructure and poor waste disposal practices were the primary drivers of the flooding.
According to the report, “the affected areas lack adequate drainage infrastructure to effectively channel stormwater into major canals. The primary cause of the flooding was attributed to poor waste management practices, which obstructed available drainage channels and led to rainwater overflow.”
As a result, “residential houses, shops, roads, bridges, schools, and other critical infrastructure were submerged,” leaving many families grappling with losses.
Health, Safety Concerns
Leading the assessment, Assistant Director Adenike Ibitayo, Head of Search and Rescue, warned of the public health risks posed by the disaster.
“Flooding in these communities not only disrupts livelihoods but also exposes residents to heightened risks of waterborne diseases and infections, largely due to improper waste disposal practices,” Ibitayo stressed.
Residents were advised to stay vigilant at the time of NEMA’s visit while many households were still counting their losses.
With the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) forecasting further heavy rainfall, NEMA cautioned residents to remain alert.
“Residents of Apapa LGA are strongly advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to safeguard their lives and property,” the agency noted.
Signed
Ojiugo Okameme
26/8/2025
