Ibadan: Governments of Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara States have initiated proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of potential heavy rainfall in parts of the country. The state administrations have prioritized public sensitization, infrastructural interventions, and multi-agency coordination to reduce disaster risks in flood-prone areas.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NiMet had forecasted increased rainfall and potential flooding in several states between July and August 2025, urging governments to implement preventive actions. In response, officials in Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara have embarked on a series of preparatory efforts to safeguard lives and property.
Mr. Daniel Ajayi, Operations Officer of the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA), stated that the agency had collaborated with relevant stakeholders to ensure an effective response system. ‘We have pre-positioned relief materials including foodstuffs, building materials, and household items in our warehouses to support affected residents if flooding occurs,’ Ajayi said. Medical teams, in collaboration with the Red Cross, have been placed on alert, and continuous sensitization campaigns are ongoing via various media.
Ajayi emphasized that the state government had cleared several river channels, particularly in high-risk zones, and warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste in drains. Mr. Kadiri Olanrewaju, Head of Operations at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) South-West, noted the agency’s stakeholder engagements across affected local government areas in Ibadan, which aim to promote early action and preparedness.
Mr. Johnson Adekola of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP) highlighted intensified flood preparedness since NiMet’s alert, with major rivers cleared to ensure smooth water flow. In Ogun State, Environment Commissioner Mr. Ola Oresanya said the government had commenced its annual flood preparedness campaign since March, with infrastructural interventions such as de-silting waterways and constructing drainage channels.
Oresanya noted that rainfall in Ogun is expected to range between 965mm and 1805mm, with ongoing efforts to reduce flood impact, especially in areas like Isheri. Mr. Saheed Akiode, Zonal Director for NEMA South-West, issued a flood alert, urging state governments to clear blocked canals and monitor vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has advised residents to stay alert for heavy rains, with public sensitization efforts targeting those near rivers. Mr. Agboola Olanrewaju, Director of Public Orientation, mentioned ongoing relocation efforts and infrastructure enhancements to prevent avoidable losses.