Hours of heavy rain on Wednesday left Lekki and many other parts of Lagos under water. Cars broke down, shops closed, and residents were stranded as floodwaters rose. For many, it felt like living in the “days of Noah.”
Videos shared on Instagram and X showed estates and major roads in Lekki completely flooded. One frustrated resident wrote, “Living on the island is waste of money.” Another added, “Na to build Ark remain for Lekki.”
This is not new. In July 2024, nonstop rain for 10 hours caused massive flooding in Lekki and Ikoyi, damaging luxury homes and vehicles. Each year, residents face the same problem, too much water and no place for it to go.
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The Lagos State Government blamed the latest disaster on illegal buildings, blocked drainage, and tidal lock caused by the Atlantic Ocean. Officials promised to clear drainage channels and demolish structures built on waterways. But many residents believe poor planning and lack of maintenance are the real issues.
Floods in Lagos affect everyone. In Lekki, cars worth millions were submerged. In poorer communities, people lost goods, homes, and income. Water does not discriminate, but it often hits the most vulnerable the hardest.
What Lagos needs now is action, not excuses. Drainage systems must be cleared and expanded. Waste disposal must improve. Illegal structures blocking waterways must be removed. And city planning must take climate change into account.
Wednesday’s downpour was not just rain. It was another warning that Lagos is sitting on a ticking time bomb. Until the city faces this challenge head-on, floods will keep turning our streets, and our lives into scenes straight out of the “days of Noah.”