FG warns of flood risks in Bayelsa, Delta, Adamawa, FCT, 29 others

The Federal Government has issued a warning that flooding is expected to affect at least 33 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2026, with over 14,000 communities identified as high-risk areas.

Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, revealed during a briefing in Abuja on Wednesday that the forecast was part of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), presented by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

Utsev noted that 14,118 Communities in 266 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the Country are at risk of flooding, based on hydrological assessments and scientific forecasting.

According to him, “The states at greatest risk 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, and Zamfara, along with the FCT.”

The minister highlighted that 15,597 Communities in 405 LGAs are at moderate flood risk, while Ekiti remains unaffected.

Furthermore, 923 Communities in 77 LGAs across 24 States are categorised under low flood risk.

“Major cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Kano, may experience flash and urban flooding due to rapid urbanization and inadequate drainage systems.

“Coastal and riverine areas, particularly in Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo, are expected to face increased flooding risks from rising sea levels and tidal surges.”

“The AFO is not just a report; it’s a call to action,” Utsev emphasised, urging proactive measures to reduce the impact of potential floods.

He noted that climate change, urbanisation, inadequate drainage, and poor land-use practices are contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of floods in the Country.

To address these challenges, the Federal Government is investing in hydrological monitoring, with improved data systems, automated river gauges, and advanced modelling techniques.

The Government is partnering with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Efforts are underway to improve forecast accuracy and early warning systems.

Utsev also urged State Governments to integrate flood risk considerations into urban planning and infrastructure development. Stronger floodplain management, improved drainage systems, and better community preparedness were identified as key strategies to reduce flood impacts.

In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, recognised flooding as a significant national challenge.

He referred to the 2024 Maiduguri flood as a pivotal event in flood management, marking the launch of the Anticipatory Action initiative, led by the Vice President’s office, to enhance early warning systems and coordinated responses.

President Tinubu also emphasised the importance of harnessing water resources for economic growth and sustainable development, alongside the need to protect critical infrastructure through early action, mitigation, and evacuation strategies outlined in the AFO.

Umar Mohammed, Director-General of NIHSA, explained that the flood forecast is based on a robust, data-driven analysis of flood-prone regions and is essential for disaster planning and response.

He also revealed that NIHSA’s upgraded forecasting system now integrates AI to improve the accuracy and timeliness of flood alerts.

The Director-General further stressed the need for better dissemination of the flood outlook to increase preparedness and resilience among vulnerable communities. The flood outlook is now available through real-time monitoring platforms, such as the Flood Dashboard.

The presentation of the AFO was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the World Meteorological Organization, NiMet, NEMA, and the Ministry of Livestock Development, all of whom expressed their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s growing flood threat.