In a latest report by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency made available to FirstNigeriaTV, it has been reiterated and fully established that the major causes of unexpectedly high flooding experienced in parts of the country at the moment are violent climate change and aggravated soil topography.
In the report, NiMet indicated that climate change has made rainfall patterns highly unpredictable, causing early heavy rainfall that often hits dry, hardened soil, resulting in dangerous surface runoff and rapid flash floods, rather than steady, ground-absorbing rain.
Allegations had been widespread by the general public that the ongoing Calabar coastal road construction was responsible for the very high floors experienced so far this year but the Federal and Lagos State Governments had clearly denied this, claiming it was due to region’s low-lying geography, inadequate urban drainage and indiscriminate waste dumping.
A remedial activity is also in progress by the Federal Ministry of Works in conjunction with the Lagos State Government to construct service lanes, create wider drainage channels, and remove illegal structures within the highway corridor.
The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have dismissed claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is responsible for the massive 2026 floods. Officials blame the widespread flooding on the region’s low-lying geography, inadequate urban drainage, and indiscriminate waste disposal blocking waterways. [1, 2, 3]
Perspectives from Officials and the Public
While many residents continue to express frustration that the elevated highway blocks natural water flow and exacerbates ponding near estates in Lekki, government leaders maintain the road was specifically engineered to mitigate flood risks. [1, 2]
“The floods in Lagos have been there before the coastal highway. It was there yesterday, it is there today, and it will also be there tomorrow.”
Instagram · trusttv_news · 5 days ago
“The Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is also a problem, and the road is already spoiling. Floods are coming from there; water is flowing into everywhere.”
Instagram · ololadeabuta_gracias · 2 days ago
To combat the persistent issues, the Ministry of Works announced joint plans with the state government to construct service lanes, create wider drainage channels, and remove illegal structures within the highway corridor
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Facebook and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) Reuters warned that over 18 million Nigerians across 33 states are exposed to severe flooding in 2026 Vanguard. They cited above-normal rainfall, flash floods in urban hotspots like Ibadan, and intense precipitation driven by climate change as the primary risks CGTN Africa, Instagram. [1, 2]
Critical 2026 Flood Alerts and Actions
Peak Risk Window: Severe flooding is projected to peak between July and September Reuters. [1, 2]
Vulnerable Areas: Over 14,000 communities are considered highly vulnerable, with infrastructure such as schools and healthcare centers at risk of submersion Vanguard. [1, 2]
Safety Directives: NiMet advises residents to clear drainage channels, vacate floodplains Instagram, and avoid low bridges, culverts, and high-tension electrical installations during heavy rainfall Facebook. [1]
NiMet & NiHSA on Climate Change
NiMet and NiHSA indicate that climate change has made rainfall patterns highly unpredictable, causing early heavy rainfall that often hits dry, hardened soil. This results in dangerous surface runoff and rapid flash floods, rather than steady, ground-absorbing rain The Guardian Nigeria. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Soil topography (or relief) describes the shape, elevation, and slope of the land surface. It is a primary factor in soil formation, dictating how water drains, how much sunlight an area receives, and where eroded materials are deposited.
