The Ogun State government has advised residents of coastline communities to move to safer areas between the last week of September and the second week of October.
The directive aims to shield residents from the devastating effects of anticipated flooding.
The warning was issued on Sunday, in the state’s 2025 Midterm Flood Alert by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya.
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According to Oresanya, the relocation became necessary due to expected river overflows, rising sea levels, and heavy rainfall from northern Nigeria and neighboring Benin Republic, which may affect Ogun and Lagos States.
Communities identified as vulnerable include Ilo, Iju, Owa, Yemule, Isheri, Warewa, Akute, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara in Ogun Waterside, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East, Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area.
He noted that forecasts by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) indicate September will experience the highest rainfall at 204mm, October at 190mm, while November is expected to decline to 93mm.
“The overflow, which usually occurs as part of the second phase of flooding, is expected to last for two weeks, from September through November,” Oresanya said.
The commissioner assured residents that the government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), is on red alert.
He added that temporary emergency camps have been prepared across the state for possible evacuation.
He also warned residents against using boreholes and well water during this period due to contamination risks and urged fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ijebu Ode, Ilase, and Ayegbami to harvest their stock.
“We are also working with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority on the controlled release of water from Oyan Dam to minimize the impact,” he added.
