Heavy rainfall on Thursday caused flooding at the National Population Commission (NPC) and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) premises located on Babs Animashaun Road in Surulere, Lagos State. The downpour started at 11:30 a.m. and continued until 1:00 p.m. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that both institutions have been experiencing severe flooding after rainfalls for years. However, Thursday’s flooding is of major concern as the NPC is scheduled to conduct the 2023 National Census, a significant national assignment, from May 3 to May 5.

When the rain stopped, workers and visitors were seen wading through the flood, which poses significant dangers to health and the environment. Staff members who spoke with NAN stated that it was “normal” for the area to be flooded whenever it rained. Despite the rehabilitation of Babs Animashaun Road, the situation remains the same. The road is critical to the connectivity and socio-economic development of the state, as it connects the Surulere axis to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

NAN also reported that the same situation occurred at the NYSC Lagos State Secretariat after the heavy rain. Some corps members and visitors were seen discussing outside the gate whether to go inside the compound or turn back. Some staff members decided to turn back due to the flooding.

Following the rain, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advised Lagos residents to take precautions to avoid danger. The Territorial Coordinator (NEMA), Lagos, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, advised school proprietors and teachers to keep children in their custody for 30 minutes after rainfalls before releasing them. He urged people not to take refuge in makeshift shelters as they could be washed off by floods and also advised drivers to exercise patience as highways could be blocked and flooded.