Flood-hit residents in Lagos are dealing with the aftermath after heavy rain sent dirty stormwater through roads, homes and local markets, cutting movement across parts of the city.
Footage captured on Friday shows people wading through floodwaters as motorists try to push through inundated roads. Some vehicles appear stranded, while roads, shop fronts and nearby buildings can be seen submerged in standing water.
Residents warned that the flooding had brought health hazards, with contaminated water raising fears of infections spreading through communities.
“The stormwater comes with health hazards such as cholera, e-coli, and as people are wading through the water, and not disinfecting their feet, they get to where they are going, and it dries off. They then maintain contact with others, so this leads to the spread of these harmful microorganisms and infections, so we have to be really careful to prevent these health hazards,” said resident Peter Boyo.
Local traders noted that businesses were also suffering, with customers unable to access markets amid the slow response efforts in some neighbourhoods.
“Our customers no longer stop to buy from us due to the stormwater. Once they sight the dirty water, they wouldn’t stop, they will only pass by. Nobody wants to buy in an environment like this,” shared Wasiu Ladi.
Heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding across Lagos, with major routes and neighbourhoods affected, while schools and businesses were forced to close.
Lagos State officials have warned that flash floods are difficult to eliminate in the coastal city, but said work is continuing on drainage and flood-control systems. Authorities have also urged residents not to dump refuse on roads or in drainage channels.
Nigeria is now deep in its rainy season, when flood risks typically increase across several states. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s 2026 seasonal forecast predicted normal to above-normal rainfall and a normal to longer rainy season in many parts of the country, leaving cities such as Lagos exposed to widespread disruption.
Source: Viory
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