The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert — its third this year — urging residents of riverbank and wetland communities to prepare for possible overflow of the Ogun River in the coming days.
The warning, announced by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, comes amid forecasts of rising water levels between October 20 and November 3, following the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam.
According to Oresanya, the precautionary release became necessary due to intense rainfall in northern Nigeria, which has significantly increased the volume of inflow into the dam. He added that rising tidal levels could further exacerbate flooding along the river’s course.
Communities likely to be affected include Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta, notably Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo.
“We are appealing to residents in flood-prone areas to be cautious, stay away from riverbanks, and those living in wetlands should move to higher ground to prevent loss of lives and property,” Oresanya said.
He assured that the state government, in partnership with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, has intensified dredging and clearance of tributaries of the Ogun River to ease water flow and minimize flood impact on vulnerable communities.
Oresanya noted that unlike last year, when the dam released over 17,000 million litres of water daily, the current discharge level stands at 12,000 million litres per day, reflecting stricter control measures aimed at preventing excessive flooding.
While urging residents not to panic, he emphasized that water levels are expected to recede within ten days, though the state continues to experience climate change-related challenges due to its coastal geography.
The commissioner also advised fish farmers in low-lying areas to harvest their stock immediately to avoid heavy losses.
“The Ogun State Government remains fully committed to reducing the impact of flooding and ensuring the safety of all residents. We urge everyone to stay alert, follow official advisories, and report any emergencies promptly,” Oresanya added.
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