As part of proactive disaster management measures, the Ogun State Government has issued a flood alert to residents, warning them to stay vigilant as the state remains one of Nigeria’s most flood-prone areas.
The alert follows predictions by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which classified Ogun as a high-risk flood zone due to expected heavy rainfall between March and November 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta on Thursday, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, emphasized that the alert is part of the state’s annual flood mitigation strategy to safeguard lives, property, and economic activities.
He noted that the initiative has been in place for the past four years, significantly raising awareness about the impact of flooding in the state.
Oresanya stated, “Every year, we issue a flood alert to ensure our residents are aware of the potential dangers and can take precautionary measures. This has been an ongoing initiative for the past four years, and it has significantly raised awareness about the impact of flooding in our state.”
According to NIMET’s 2025 forecast, Ogun State will experience rainfall intensity ranging from 965mm to 1805mm, with a Little Dry Spell (LDS) between July 21 and late August.
Additionally, the agency predicts a severe dry spell lasting over 15 days between April and June, followed by heavy downpours that could trigger widespread flooding.
The government identified 16 local government areas as flood-prone, warning residents in the following communities to prepare: Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Owode, Abeokuta, Onihale in Ifo, Sagamu, Iperu, and Ilishan are expected to experience flash floods between March and July.
Coastal flood-prone areas between September and November include Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Owa, and Yemule River banks in Ijebu-Ode; Ifaara, Ebute-Oni, Ayede-Ayila, Makun, Iwopin, and Igele in Ogun Waterside; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; Sokori, Arakanga, and Onikoko River in Abeokuta; and Ijamido, Ilo, Erukomu, and Isakale in Ado Odo/Ota.
To mitigate the impact of the two flood seasons expected in 2025, the state government has undertaken extensive flood control projects over the past five years, including the de-silting of 988.3km of rivers, streams, and drainage channels, the construction of 698m of concrete drainages and culverts, and the expansion of tributaries of Ogun River to improve water flow in wetland areas such as Isheri, Akute, and Warewa.
Oresanya disclosed that the dredging of Opa Aro River and the de-silting of Banku River to Majidun and Mawarere will begin in April, ensuring improved water retention and reduced flood duration in affected areas.
He noted that due to the government’s proactive measures, the flood retention period in Isheri has already reduced from an annual average of six weeks to three weeks.
“Thanks to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s approval, we have already reduced the flood retention period in Isheri from an annual average of six weeks to three weeks. This proves that strategic dredging and water channel expansion are effective flood mitigation tools,” he added.
The commissioner urged residents to adopt safety measures and avoid risky behaviors that could worsen flooding.
He warned that motorists, bike riders, and pedestrians should never attempt to cross flooded roads during heavy rains.
Likewise, dumping refuse in drainage channels or constructing buildings on natural run-off routes will attract serious penalties.
He also called on Community Development Associations (CDAs) to sensitize residents about flood preparedness while advising farmers to align their planting cycles with NIMET’s rainfall patterns to prevent crop and livestock losses.
Additionally, Oresanya directed all 20 Local Government Chairmen to translate and disseminate NIMET’s weather forecast in local languages, ensuring that grassroots communities are well-informed.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has assured residents of its readiness to respond to flood-related emergencies, including evacuation to designated IDP camps across the state.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment will collaborate with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) to closely monitor the release of water from Oyan Dam, a key factor in Ogun River flooding.
“By coordinating with OORBDA, we aim to minimize the impact of dam overflow on vulnerable wetland communities,” Oresanya noted.
The commissioner reassured residents that the 2025 rainy season presents opportunities for enhanced food production, aligning with national food security goals.
“Rainfall is not a curse, but a blessing. Our priority is to harness its benefits while minimizing risks. We call on all stakeholders to actively participate in ensuring Ogun State remains safe and productive throughout the rainy season,” he concluded.
