The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, urging residents in flood-prone communities to remain alert and move to safer areas where necessary.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Oresanya said the latest warning followed a forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Ogun among the states expected to experience significant rainfall during the year.
According to the commissioner, the first phase of the 2026 rainy season, which lasted from mid-March to July, brought heavy rainfall and isolated flash floods to parts of the state, although the overall impact was relatively limited.
He attributed the reduced impact to the government’s proactive measures, including continuous public education and awareness campaigns, as well as routine maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels.
Oresanya also noted improvements in the state’s waste management system, which he said had contributed to better flood preparedness.
He explained that the government had paid particular attention to major waterways and river channels, including the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.
The commissioner said NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction indicates that the second phase of the 2026 rainy season is expected to begin in September.
“The state is projected to experience intense rainfall averaging about 360 mm during the month.
“The rainfall in inland parts of the state is expected to decline from October into early November,” he said.
Despite the expected decline in rainfall later in the season, Oresanya warned that prolonged rainfall, controlled water releases from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could trigger river and coastal flooding in some areas.
He added that these factors could slow the flow of the Ogun River, potentially leading to temporary oversaturation of wetlands and floodplains and increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
Ogun Lists Communities at Risk of Flooding
Oresanya urged residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as residents in some parts of Abeokuta, to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas when 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 located along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers,” he said.
The commissioner also advised fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors to harvest their fish stocks early to reduce the risk of losses from possible flooding.
He specifically urged fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, along with those in other vulnerable locations, to take the warning seriously and act promptly.
Government Intensifies Flood Preparedness
Oresanya called on relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local government authorities, emergency response organisations, traditional and community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen their flood preparedness and response measures.
He also encouraged community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure residents receive timely information about potential flooding.
The commissioner stressed that early warnings and prompt action would remain essential to reducing the impact of flooding on communities, businesses and livelihoods.
Oresanya assured residents that the state government would continue implementing measures aimed at reducing the risks and adverse effects of flooding across Ogun State.
