Lagos asks residents along Ogun river to relocate as Oyan dam plans water release

The Lagos state government has asked residents along the Ogun river banks to relocate to higher grounds.

Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, said the relocation has become necessary as Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) begins release of water from Oyan dam.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Wahab said the dam’s annual operations are guided by real-time hydrological data, rainfall forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and flood outlook from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

The commissioner said the release of water will help preserve the integrity of the dam and its socio-economic impacts on Lagos.

He said while rainfall in the Oyan river catchment area has been substantial, with a total of 984.1 mm recorded in 2024, it is still lower than the 1,540.8 mm observed in 2023 and remains within safe operational levels.

Wahab said the current water releases were measured at 208 m³/s, with only two gates opened at 12 percent capacity each, ensuring a controlled discharge.

He added that 62.1 percent of the dam’s flood control capacity remains intact, and there is no imminent threat of releasing excess water beyond safe limits.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by residents in affected communities, which include Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun.

“I want to emphasise that while the flooding experienced in these areas has often been attributed solely to water released from the Oyan Dam, this is not entirely the case,” he said.

“In reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which converge and contribute to rising water levels in the affected areas.”

Wahab said OORBDA has begun the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis.

The commissioner said the project is a proactive step to deepen the river channel and enhance its capacity to carry water, thereby decreasing the likelihood of flooding during periods of high inflow.

He said the state government will continue to closely monitor the situation and work in collaboration with relevant agencies and affected communities.

Wahab urged Lagos residents to refrain from indiscriminate dumping of waste in unauthorised areas, littering the roads with pet bottles, and blocking drains with silt or construction materials.

He also warned against constructing buildings within and around drainages and discharging human waste into drains and canals.

“I wish to appeal once again to our people to support our efforts by complementing the government through regular clearing of drains on their frontages,” he added.