The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents living along the Ogun River banks, urging them to relocate to higher grounds as the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) begins the release of water from the Oyan Dam.
This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during a press conference on Thursday.
Mr. Wahab explained that the water release is part of efforts to maintain the structural integrity of the dam and manage its socio-economic impact on Lagos.
He emphasized that the annual operation of the dam is based on real-time hydrological data, predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
“The water release is guided by data to ensure both flood control and the integrity of the dam. We are urging residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer grounds,” Wahab advised.
The commissioner acknowledged the concerns raised by communities along the Ogun River, particularly those in Lagos State, about the impact of the water release. However, he reassured the public that the dam’s operations are in strict compliance with safety protocols to prevent flooding.
According to a report from OORBDA, the total volume of water released from the dam as of October 12 stood at 1,484.2 million cubic metres (mcm), which remains below the average annual flow volume of 1,770 mcm.
Wahab further explained that although rainfall across the Oyan River catchment area had been significant in 2024, with 984.1 mm recorded, it was still lower than the 1,540.8 mm recorded in 2023.
“The current releases are measured at 208 cubic metres per second (m³/s), with only two gates opened at 12 percent capacity each. This ensures controlled and steady discharge, with no immediate threat of excess water release,” he added, noting that 62.1 percent of the dam’s flood control capacity remained intact.
Wahab highlighted that the flooding in areas such as Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun is not solely due to water released from the Oyan Dam.
“In reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which contribute to rising water levels,” he said, noting that these tributaries, combined with rain-induced runoff, exacerbate the flooding situation.
In response to the rising water levels, the Lagos State Government and OORBDA have initiated the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis. The dredging is aimed at deepening the river channel and increasing its capacity to convey water, thereby reducing flood risks during periods of high inflow.
Wahab assured that the government remains committed to its partnership with OORBDA to manage the systematic release of water from the Oyan Dam and mitigate flood risks for downstream communities.
“Our goal is to protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, from the impacts of flooding,” he said.
The commissioner also reiterated the importance of regular maintenance of drainage systems, urging residents to refrain from dumping waste into canals and drains, which worsens flooding.
“We appeal to Lagosians to support our efforts by keeping drains clear and avoiding the illegal dumping of refuse. This will help ensure the free flow of water and reduce flood risks,” Wahab emphasized.
Present at the conference were the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite, and directors from the ministry.
