Lagos agency yet to decide on relief for flood victims

Residents affected by recent flooding in Lagos are awaiting official word on potential relief from the state government, as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has yet to release any directives on providing aid or compensation. Afolabi Olawale, LASEMA's spokesperson, stated that no official communication has been received or disseminated regarding the issue.

This situation follows a joint assessment conducted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and LASEMA in flood-affected communities across Alimosho, Ikeja, Kosofe, and Lagos Island Local Government Areas. The assessment aimed to determine the extent of damage, identify affected infrastructure, and document the humanitarian needs of residents. Communities like Oke-Ira, Oworonshoki, Gbagada, Idumagbo Avenue, and Jankara were visited.

NEMA's findings indicated that prolonged rainfall combined with inadequate drainage systems led to widespread flooding. This caused damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, disrupted economic activities, rendered roads impassable, and temporarily displaced some residents. During the assessment, residents were also advised on flood prevention measures, such as proper waste disposal and drain maintenance.

NEMA plans to forward its assessment findings to the relevant authorities for intervention. Meanwhile, some victims who lost household property, vehicles, and experienced business disruptions have appealed to the state government for relief materials to mitigate their losses. The flooding occurred after a section of a perimeter fence collapsed onto a major street.

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As of now, there is no official statement. As you’re talking now, there is no official communication to disseminate on that issue. When it is available, we will disseminate it.