The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has issued a high-alert flood warning for 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), predicting widespread inundation across over 700 communities in the coming two weeks.
In a statement released Tuesday, Umar Mohammad, director-general of NIHSA, said the warning is based on fresh hydrological forecasts aligned with the agency’s 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) published in April.
Mohammad said the agency expects severe flooding in 739 communities across 162 local government areas (LGAs) between July 22 and August 5, and has placed key cities such as Lagos and Abuja on the watchlist.
“There is an increased risk of property damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in low-lying and flood-prone areas,” the statement read.
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States at risk
The states under imminent threat include:
Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
NIHSA also flagged over 100 major transportation routes as vulnerable, including the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Road, Birnin Kebbi-Bunza Road, and Ibi-Wukari Road, raising concern over disruptions to movement of goods and people.
Food security at risk
In addition to infrastructure, the DG warned that flooding may severely affect farmlands, which could in turn impact food production and worsen the country’s fragile food security situation.
NIHSA urged state governments and emergency response agencies to activate disaster preparedness and community sensitisation protocols. Residents in low-lying or previously affected areas are advised to stay alert and prepare for possible evacuation.
The agency encouraged Nigerians to stay informed through its official flood dashboard at www.nihsa.gov.ng and its verified social media platforms.
