The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning as the second phase of the 2026 rainy season begins, urging residents living in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and move to safer locations where necessary.
The latest advisory was issued by the State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, following weather projections indicating that Ogun could experience significant rainfall in September.
The warning comes as the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasts an intense second phase of the rainy season, with Ogun expected to record average rainfall of about 360 millimetres during the month.
Oresanya said the Government was particularly concerned about communities located close to rivers, wetlands, floodplains and coastal areas, where prolonged rainfall could increase the possibility of flooding.
The Commissioner’s warning was contained in a statement made available in Abeokuta on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Reports by the News Agency of Nigeria and several Nigerian newspapers confirmed that the statement was issued as the second phase of the rainy season gets underway.
According to Oresanya, NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction indicates that the second phase of the 2026 rainy season will commence in September. While rainfall in the inland parts of the State is expected to reduce from October into early November, the September outlook presents a heightened flood risk in some locations.
The Commissioner explained that the threat was not solely linked to the volume of rainfall. He identified prolonged downpours, controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations as additional factors that could worsen flooding conditions.
According to him, tidal fluctuations could slow the movement of water along the Ogun River, while sustained rainfall could leave wetlands and floodplains temporarily saturated.
The combination, he warned, could increase the vulnerability of communities situated around waterways and other low-lying areas.
The Government has therefore advised residents in Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa to take the warning seriously. Parts of Abeokuta were also listed among locations where residents should remain particularly alert and relocate to safer areas if conditions become unsafe.
The warning also extends beyond the inland communities to several riverine and coastal settlements across Ogun State.
Among the communities listed are Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East Local Government Area, as well as Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area, were also included in the advisory.
Communities situated along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju rivers were similarly urged to exercise caution and take appropriate precautionary measures.
The State Government is also concerned about the possible impact of the expected rainfall on agricultural activities, particularly fish farming.
Oresanya urged fish farmers operating within floodplains and river corridors to harvest their stocks promptly in order to reduce possible losses if flooding occurs.
He specifically mentioned fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, urging them and other operators in vulnerable locations not to delay preventive action.
The Government said its latest warning was informed by experience from the first phase of the 2026 rainy season.
The first phase, which lasted from around mid-March to July, recorded periods of intense rainfall and isolated flash floods in parts of Ogun. However, the State Government said the overall impact remained comparatively limited.
Oresanya attributed the relatively low impact to preventive measures implemented by the Government before and during the rainy season.
These measures included sustained public awareness campaigns, education of residents, routine maintenance of rivers and streams, and the clearing and maintenance of drainage channels. Improvements in waste management were also identified as part of the measures that helped reduce the impact of flooding.
The Commissioner said the Government had paid particular attention to major river channels and waterways across the State.
Among those waterways are the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and the Ijamido rivers and streams.
Ogun State authorities are now calling for increased cooperation among Government agencies, local authorities, emergency responders and communities as the State enters another period of heavy rainfall.
Oresanya urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Local Government Authorities and emergency response organisations to intensify their flood preparedness and response efforts.
He also called for regular monitoring of communities considered vulnerable to flooding and stressed the importance of keeping drainage channels clear of refuse and other obstructions.
Community leaders were asked to step up awareness campaigns and ensure residents receive timely information about potential flooding.
The Commissioner stressed that early warning and prompt action remained essential to reducing the danger posed by flooding.
The Government said it would continue to monitor weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency and the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.
The collaboration is expected to help authorities track changing weather and water conditions and respond more quickly when there are indications of increased flood risk.
The latest warning also places renewed emphasis on residents’ responsibility to avoid actions that could worsen flooding.
Poor waste disposal and the dumping of refuse in drainage channels can restrict the movement of stormwater and increase the likelihood of flooding during heavy rainfall. Ogun authorities have therefore continued to urge residents to support Government efforts by keeping waterways and drainage channels free from obstruction.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and General Manager of the State Waste Management Authority, Akintunde Farook, also called for improved attitudes towards waste disposal and other practices that could help reduce the impact of flooding.
For residents in vulnerable locations, the Government’s latest message is that precaution should take priority over waiting for floodwaters to arrive.
Authorities are urging residents to monitor official updates, avoid obstructing waterways, take evacuation warnings seriously and move to safer areas whenever conditions become dangerous.
Ogun State Government has assured residents that it will continue taking steps to minimise the impact of flooding across the State.
The Government also acknowledged the cooperation of residents during the first phase of the rainy season, saying their compliance with preventive measures contributed to the relatively limited impact recorded.
With September expected to bring intense rainfall, officials have now urged residents, community leaders and relevant agencies to remain on alert and respond quickly to further weather and flood warnings.
The State’s latest advisory is therefore being presented as a precautionary measure rather than confirmation that flooding will occur in every listed community. However, authorities believe early preparation, timely relocation and continued monitoring are necessary to protect lives, property and livelihoods as the 2026 rainy season enters its second phase.