FG RAISES FLOOD ALERT IN 33 STATES

The Federal Government has warned that no fewer than 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory may experience flooding this year, prompting state authorities to intensify preparedness measures across the country.

This follows the release of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which identified several high-risk locations, including Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Adamawa and Kebbi states, with thousands of communities projected to be affected.

Unveiling the report in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, underscored the importance of early warning systems in minimising flood-related losses. He said timely dissemination of information remains crucial to safeguarding lives, livelihoods and public infrastructure.

Findings in the report show that over 14,000 communities across 266 local government areas fall within high-risk zones. It further indicated that more than 15,000 communities are exposed to moderate risk, while hundreds of others may experience low-level flooding.

The report also projected possible flash floods in major urban centres such as Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Kano and Port Harcourt, citing heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems and unplanned urban expansion as key drivers.

In addition, coastal and riverine states, including Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Ogun and Lagos, are expected to witness flooding linked to rising sea levels and tidal surges.

Utsev described the flood outlook as a call for coordinated action, urging governments at all levels to integrate flood risk management into development planning. He also stressed the need for improved drainage systems and community-level preparedness.

He added that his ministry is working closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency to harmonise climate and hydrological data in order to enhance forecasting for farmers, disaster managers and urban planners.

Across states, emergency management agencies have begun activating response strategies to reduce the anticipated impact.

In Sokoto, authorities said awareness campaigns and risk assessments were ongoing to identify vulnerable communities, while evacuation plans and temporary shelters were being prepared.

Benue officials disclosed a shift towards proactive measures, including public enlightenment campaigns and the deployment of emergency communication channels.

Kano State has commenced the implementation of an urban drainage master plan, alongside routine clearance of blocked waterways, as part of efforts to prevent flooding.

Similarly, Kebbi State said it had mobilised response teams, stockpiled relief materials and stepped up sensitisation campaigns in at-risk communities.

In Kogi, plans are underway to establish emergency operations centres to coordinate response efforts, following directives from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Authorities in Adamawa have advised residents in flood-prone riverine areas to relocate to safer grounds, while also encouraging proper waste disposal to prevent blocked drainage systems.

Kwara State officials said awareness campaigns had commenced, with plans to extend sensitisation to vulnerable communities pending government approval for full implementation.

In Edo, large-scale desilting of drainage systems is ongoing, while facilities for displaced persons are being upgraded in anticipation of possible emergencies.

Niger State authorities also raised concerns over potential flash floods in towns such as Minna, Bida, Mokwa and Suleja, noting that community engagement efforts had been intensified.

At the national level, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, called for collective responsibility in addressing flood risks.

The Director-General of the hydrological agency, Umar Mohammed, said improvements had been made to the country’s flood monitoring system, including the deployment of a real-time dashboard and a mobile application to enhance public access to flood alerts.

Also, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency said advances in technology had significantly improved the precision of weather forecasts, aiding preparedness and response planning.

Despite these developments, experts cautioned that forecasts alone would not prevent disasters unless matched with concrete actions, particularly at the grassroots level. They called for sustained public awareness, effective waste management practices and strict enforcement of urban planning regulations.