FG Flood Alert Lists 33 States, FCT As High Risk Zones
A comprehensive flood forecast released yesterday by the Federal Government warns that no fewer than 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory will experience high flood risk during the 2026 rainy season, with authorities urging immediate preparatory measures to avert a repeat of previous disaster years.
The 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, presented by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in Abuja, identifies 14,118 communities across 266 Local Government Areas as falling within high flood risk zones. The states listed include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, who unveiled the report, stated that “early information saves lives, livelihoods, protects infrastructure and reduces economic losses.” He disclosed that national hydrological monitoring networks have been modernised and collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency strengthened to deliver more reliable forecasts.
Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Director General of NiHSA, explained that the agency has transitioned “from traditional modelling to Hybrid AI-Integrated Modelling system” to improve forecast reliability and lead time accuracy.
The outlook further projects moderate flood risk in 15,597 communities across 405 LGAs in 35 states, with only Ekiti excluded. Flash and urban flooding are anticipated in major cities including Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Birnin-Kebbi, Calabar, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Nguru, Onitsha, Osogbo, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri and Yola. Coastal flooding due to sea level rise and tidal surge is expected in Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Ondo.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abas Lawal, attended the presentation alongside service chiefs, development partners and state government representatives.
Several state governments have outlined preparatory measures. The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, said the governor had approved dredging of rivers including Omu and Okpokpo streams. Oyo State Emergency Management Agency Secretary, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, stated that “rapid response teams are on alert” and relief materials have been pre-positioned. In Benue, Borno, Zamfara and Kebbi, officials reported ongoing drainage clearance, public sensitisation campaigns and the activation of emergency committees.
Prof Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMet, noted that Nigerian and other African countries continue to grapple with devastating flood effects despite improved predictive technology.