Vehicular and business activities were paralysed across parts of Lagos on Wednesday after hours of heavy rain caused flash floods.
Flood-prone areas like Maryland, Lekki, Ogba, and Ikorodu were worst hit, with homes, shops, and roads submerged.
Videos on social media showed residents wading through waterlogged streets and motorists struggling to drive through flooded roads.
In Maryland, a canal overflow cut off Olatunji Street from the Mende community, leaving residents stranded.
Chinasa Nnadi, a resident, said flooding had become a yearly problem. “Some people even relocate because it is too much,” she said.
Another resident, Kalu, said his shop was overrun. “Water entered my shop and destroyed my goods,” he lamented.
Church member Christiana said floodwater damaged instruments. “We will spend a lot fixing or replacing them,” she added.
The floods also worsened traffic. Cars broke down on major roads, and commuters spent hours in gridlock.
Environment Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, said Lagos remained vulnerable because it is a coastal city. He blamed illegal structures and poor refuse disposal for worsening the floods.
He assured residents that drainage projects, pumping stations, and enforcement against infractions were ongoing, while urging Lagosians to cooperate by keeping the environment clean.