Gridlock as flash floods take over Lagos roads, paralyse business activities

File: Lagos flooded road

Motorists and residents across Lagos on Tuesday were trapped in heavy gridlock after several hours of early morning downpour in major parts of the Lagos metropolis.

The flooding brought commercial and other business activities to a temporary halt, while several vehicles broke down on waterlogged roads, worsening the traffic situation.

Business complexes were seen under lock and keys as many owners stayed-off in the early morning but later reopened for business in the afternoon.

Some motorists who spoke to Vanguard blamed the state government for not being proactive in preventive measures. However, at about 2pm, the stormwater had receded, leaving major parts of the areas dry for seamless movement.

Areas badly affected included: Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Alexander Way, Dolphin Estate, Lekki, and Obalende. Others were Funsho Williams Avenue (formerly Western Avenue), Ikorodu Road, Agege, Ikeja, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Oworonshoki, Oshodi, Apapa, and Alimosho, among others.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet had earlier predicted widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday, NiMet projected thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of the northern and southern states, including Lagos.

The agency urged residents to take safety precautions, including avoiding driving during heavy rain, while also advising farmers not to apply fertilisers or pesticides just before rainfall to prevent nutrient loss.

Also, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, earlier, during the Year 2025 Seasonal Climate Predictions, SCP, and Socio-Economic implications for Lagos State, reassured residents of adequate preparation for the rains. Vanguard