Taoreed Abdullahi
Residents of Lagos have been cautioned against the indiscriminate dumping of garbage, especially with the rainy season approaching.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, issued this warning while addressing reporters at a news conference in Lagos.
Mr Wahab urged citizens to act as whistle-blowers by reporting any instances of drainage blockages or illegal waste disposal in canals to the proper authorities.
“It is a great pleasure to once again address the media on the Year 2025 Seasonal Climate Predictions.
“This is in continuation of the tradition to annually alert the public of the patterns of the Year 2025 predicted rainfall and its socio-economic implications for the people of Lagos State.
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), on February 4, as part of its ministerial mandate, released this year’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).
“This is a forecast of the expected patterns of rainfall temperature and other weather parameters in the entire country,” he said.
Mr Wahabb urged drivers to take precautions and follow speed limits.
“However, during the rainy season this year, motorists should, as a matter of precautionary measure, observe prescribed speed limits on the roads to losing control or skidding off the highways.
“To our people, we sincerely appeal that they refrain from acts that can lead to flash flooding.
“They should stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised places, clogging drains with silt or construction materials, erecting structures within and around drainage right of ways and setbacks.
“All residents are enjoined to become whistle-blowers by reporting cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorised places to our Resident Engineers across all the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas and zero tolerance offices statewide,” he said
Mr. Wahab stated that the annual briefing aimed to educate the public about important climate information.
“This briefing is conducted annually by the state in keeping with its proactive approach of informing and educating the public about important climate information.
“This is also to get them ready for the expected impact of the rainy season and other relevant weather events.
“The forecast for this year is based on the neutral phase of the El-Nino Southern Oscillation, which is expected to persist in the first six to eight months of the year.
“This also implies early onset of the rainy season, longer than normal length and delayed end of the rainy season in Lagos,” he said.
He stated that, as a result, above-normal rainfall amounts were expected during the first peak of the rainy season, while normal rainfall amounts were anticipated in the second peak.
“Additionally, the rainfall from neighbouring Ogun, Oyo and Osun states dams release and river water levels into the state will be monitored closely.
“The rainy season is expected to start as early as the last week of March, while the end of the season is expected in the first week of December.
“Also, the average annual rainfall amount predicted is 1936mm, which is greater than the long-term (1991-2020) average,” he said.
He said that Ikeja was expected to have an onset date of April 2, a cessation date of December 2 and an annual amount of 1952 mm.
Badagry is expected to experience rainfall starting on March 30, with the rainy season ending on December 4 and an annual rainfall amount of 1,978 mm.
“Ikorodu is expected to have a rainfall onset date of April 2 and a season date of Dec. 3 with an annual amount of 1903mm.
“Lagos Island, on its part, is expected to have a rainfall onset date of April 1, cessation date of December 3 and an annual amount of 1936 mm.
“Epe is expected to have a rainfall onset date of March 31, a cessation date of December 4, and an annual amount of 1952 mm.
“Lagos State is expected to experience above normal rainfall, and the same scenario is also expected to be experienced in the neighbouring Ogun state,” he said.
He added that the high amounts of rainfall would lead to flash flooding events in some parts of the state.
“Strong winds are expected during the onset and the end of each rainy season, lives and properties may be at risk, commercial activities disruption, flight delays and resulting revenue loss could also arise,” he said.
Mr Wahab pointed out that the state has established a network of weather stations and river gauge stations to monitor weather conditions and river levels.
He further mentioned that the state has enhanced its preparedness for weather and flood-related issues.
“The Ministry is collaborating with NiMet in the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction.
“This has been valuable as a vital weather and early warning tool for farmers, planners, decision-makers, and operators of the various sectors and businesses that are likely to be impacted by the annual rainfall.
“At this juncture, let me assure you that our state will continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous planning, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall.
“To ensure a flood-free and hygienic environment in the state, the ministry has embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme for effective and efficient flood control,” he said.
Mr Wahab said the state has maintained a strong partnership with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to effectively manage flooding.
“This has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches of the Ogun River.
“This mutual relationship has been highly beneficial in the past, and we intend to sustain it.
“Therefore, the low-lying areas of Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo and Ajegunle communities in Lagos State are being closely monitored concerning the likelihood of Ogun River overflowing its banks as well as all other river basins in the state.
“I wish to appeal once again to our people to support our efforts by complementing the state government through regular clearing of tertiary drains in their frontage.
“This is to ensure free flow of stormwater as well as to prevent dumping of refuse into drainage channels,” he said.