The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has raised the alarm over possible flooding in 107 local government areas across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory between September 1 and 15.
The advisory, issued in Abuja on Monday, is based on projections from the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) and supported by real-time hydrometric readings, river-stage forecasts, and satellite mapping.
According to the Director-General of NiHSA, Mr. Umar Mohammed, more than 631 communities and over 50 critical transport and infrastructure points are at risk. He warned that the flood risk levels range from moderate to very high, with threats of river overbanking, flash floods, and localized inundation in low-lying areas.
The states expected to be affected include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
NiHSA warned that flooding could disrupt highways and bridges, threaten lives and livelihoods, damage farmlands and public infrastructure, and increase the risks of water contamination and disease outbreaks.
The agency urged federal and state emergency agencies to activate contingency plans, deploy response teams, and pre-position relief materials in vulnerable areas. It also advised local governments and community leaders to intensify sensitization campaigns, map out evacuation routes, and prepare shelters for residents who may be displaced.
“Communities and individuals should avoid flooded roads, move to higher ground when necessary, and strictly follow official safety instructions,” Mohammed said.
He added that NiHSA would continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates through its official communication platforms.
