The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a medium flood risk alert for 13 states across the country, warning residents and authorities to take immediate precautionary measures to reduce the impact of possible flooding.
The advisory, signed by the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, is valid from July 14 to July 20, 2026.
According to the agency, the latest hydrological assessment indicates a likelihood of localized flooding along major river channels, with 16 hydrological monitoring stations identified as high-risk locations requiring close observation.
States Expected to Experience Flooding
NIHSA said the projected flooding could affect communities, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, and other critical infrastructure in the affected areas.
The states and local government areas (LGAs) highlighted in the advisory include:
Adamawa State: Demsa, Lamurde and Numan LGAs.
Bauchi State: Bauchi, Ningi and Shira LGAs.
Borno State: Gubio and Mobbar LGAs.
Edo State: Akoko-Edo, Etsako East, Etsako West, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West LGAs.
Imo State: Aboh-Mbaise, Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema, Okigwe, Owerri North and Owerri West LGAs.
Kaduna State: Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Jaba, Jema’a, Kachia, Kaura, Kauru and six other LGAs.
Other states expected to experience varying degrees of flood risk include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu, Lagos, Niger, and Plateau.
High-Risk River Monitoring Locations
The agency identified several critical locations along major rivers that could experience flooding during the advisory period. These include:
Saminara on the Karam River
Waya Dam Site on the Waya River
Amber on the Amber River
NIHSA Advises Residents to Take Precautionary Measures
To reduce the potential impact of flooding, NIHSA urged state governments, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), community leaders and residents to implement proactive safety measures.
The agency advised residents living in flood-prone communities to relocate people, livestock and valuable property to safer locations and avoid settling on floodplains.
It also called for the immediate clearing of blocked drainage channels, gutters and river outlets to ensure the free flow of water.
Motorists and pedestrians were warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water due to the risk of drowning and accidents.
In addition, NIHSA recommended that emergency agencies pre-position relief materials, water treatment supplies, medical equipment and first-aid materials while identifying temporary shelters for displaced persons if necessary.
The agency further urged communities to activate local flood early-warning systems, monitor water levels regularly and disseminate timely information to residents.
NIHSA Reaffirms Commitment to Flood Monitoring
NIHSA assured Nigerians of its commitment to providing timely, accurate and actionable hydrological information to support disaster preparedness and protect lives, property and livelihoods.
The agency also encouraged residents and relevant stakeholders to monitor its regular flood updates and advisories throughout the rainy season.
