Olayiwola Matthew
The Lagos state government has called on residents living along the Ogun riverbanks to “relocate to higher grounds” due to the planned water release from Oyan dam by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA).
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, emphasized that the relocation is crucial as the release is part of the dam’s annual operations, which are guided by “real-time hydrological data,” rainfall forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and flood outlook reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
Wahab explained that releasing water from the dam will help “preserve the integrity of the dam” and mitigate its socio-economic impacts on Lagos.
Although rainfall in the Oyan river catchment area reached 984.1 mm in 2024, lower than the 1,540.8 mm recorded in 2023, it is still considered “within safe operational levels.”
He noted that current water releases are at 208 m³/s, with “only two gates opened at 12 percent capacity each,” ensuring controlled discharge.
Additionally, 62.1 percent of the dam’s flood control capacity is still intact, which means there is no imminent risk of releasing excess water beyond safe limits.
Acknowledging the difficulties faced by residents in affected areas like Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun, Wahab pointed out 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 further clarified that the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by “a complex network of over 52 tributaries” that contribute to rising water levels.
Wahab added that the OORBDA has started dredging the Ogun River from Ikorodu to the Isheri axis as a proactive measure to “deepen the river channel and enhance its capacity to carry water,” which will reduce the risk of flooding during periods of high inflow.
He assured that the state government will “continue to closely monitor the situation” and work with relevant agencies and communities to address the challenges.
Wahab urged Lagos residents to avoid “indiscriminate dumping of waste” in unauthorized areas, refrain from littering roads with pet bottles, and stop 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.
In conclusion, Wahab appealed to residents to “support our efforts by complementing the government through regular clearing of drains on their frontages.”