Flooding Triggers Gridlock in Lagos, Disrupts Businesses After Heavy Rainfall

A heavy downpour on Tuesday left several parts of Lagos submerged, causing gridlock that paralyzed commercial and business activities across the metropolis.

The flash floods, which lasted for hours, left many vehicles stranded and some broken down on waterlogged roads, further compounding the traffic situation. Business complexes in several areas remained shut in the morning, with some reopening only by the afternoon after the rain subsided.

By around 2 p.m., the stormwater had largely receded, allowing free movement, but not before widespread disruption was recorded in areas such as Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Alexander Way, Dolphin Estate, Lekki, Obalende, Funsho Williams Avenue, Ikorodu Road, Agege, Ikeja, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Oworonshoki, Oshodi, Apapa, and Alimosho, among others.

Some motorists who spoke to Vanguard blamed the state government for not taking proactive measures to mitigate the flooding.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier warned of thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across the country between Monday and Wednesday. In its outlook released Sunday, NiMet advised residents to take safety precautions such as avoiding driving during heavy downpours. It also cautioned farmers against applying fertilisers or pesticides just before rainfall to prevent nutrient wash-off.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, had earlier reassured Lagos residents of the state’s preparedness during the 2025 Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) briefing.

He urged residents in low-lying flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground when necessary to avoid loss of lives and property.

“It should be noted that the State has put in place its own network of weather stations as well as river gauge stations to monitor the weather and river levels in our state as well as increase preparedness for weather and flood-related issues.
The ministry is collaborating with NiMet in the annual SCP which 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,” Wahab said.

Ifako-Ijaiye Link Bridge Rehab Worsens Traffic

Meanwhile, gridlock also persisted along the Ifako-Ijaiye Link Bridge five days after rehabilitation works resumed, despite a review of the state’s traffic management strategy.

On Tuesday, motorists were trapped for hours in standstill traffic along the Ogudu-Ifako Road during the heavy rainfall. The jam stretched from the old Toll Gate to Ogudu Link Bridge, leaving commuters stranded and forcing some to seek alternative routes to their destinations.

As of press time, the Lagos State Government had yet to respond, despite messages sent to the Ministry of Transportation for comments on the situation.