Scene from recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger state
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned of severe flooding in 27 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) between July 22 and August 5.
In a statement on Tuesday, Umar Mohammad, NIHSA director-general (DG), said the alert followed the agency’s latest forecast, which aligns with its 2025 annual flood outlook (AFO) released in April.
Mohammad said the agency envisaged flooding in more than 739 communities across 162 LGAs.
He said the states on the watchlist 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.
Advertisement
The NIHSA DG warned that key cities like Lagos and Abuja could be affected, noting that over 100 major transport routes, including the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Road, Birnin Kebbi-Bunza Road, and Ibi-Wukari Road are at risk.
“There is also an increased risk of property damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in low-lying and flood-prone areas,” the statement reads.
Mohammad noted that farmlands could be submerged, potentially impacting food production and security in the country.
Advertisement
He called on emergency management agencies and state governments to activate their response plans and urged residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for possible evacuation.
The agency advised Nigerians to stay informed through NIHSA’s flood dashboard at www.nihsa.gov.ng and its social media platforms.
