33 States, FCT risk high flooding in 2026 – FG warns
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned that 14,118 communities across 266 Local Government Areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory fall within high flood risk zones ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, gave this warning during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja.
The report, themed “Smart Water Resources Management – Moving from Oil to Water-Based Economy,” identifies states such as 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, Zamfara, and the FCT as high-risk areas.
The Minister further revealed that 15,597 communities in 405 LGAs across 35 states fall under moderate flood risk, with Ekiti identified as the only state not affected in that category.
In addition, 923 communities in 77 LGAs across 24 states are projected to experience minimal flooding.
According to the report, major urban centres including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Calabar, Makurdi, Yola, and Abeokuta are likely to witness flash and urban flooding due to heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, and inadequate flood control infrastructure.
The outlook also highlights the risk of coastal and riverine flooding in Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo states, driven by rising sea levels and tidal surges, with potential impacts on fishing activities, transportation, and ecosystems.
Prof. Utsev stressed that tackling flood risks requires collective action, urging state governments, local authorities, and communities to incorporate flood risk management into development planning, improve drainage systems, and strengthen resilience measures.
He emphasized that preparedness remains key to safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and economic activities.
In his remarks, Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, described the Annual Flood Outlook as a critical tool for early warning, policy planning, and emergency response coordination.
He noted that the 2026 forecast leverages a hybrid AI-integrated modelling system to improve accuracy and reduce false alarms.
Mohammed added that the agency has upgraded its Flood Dashboard to a real-time geo-intelligence system, supported by a mobile application and trained flood marshals to enhance early warning dissemination.
He urged Nigerians to heed official advisories and support community-level preparedness efforts to mitigate flood impacts.
Also, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha warned that water is central to Nigeria’s economic survival, particularly amid increasing competition for land and water resources across the country.
The Minister stressed that development planning must be science-driven, with a strong focus on water availability, sustainability, and efficient resource management to support long-term growth.
Describing water as indispensable to life and productivity, he noted that key sectors such as agriculture and industry depend heavily on reliable water supply for optimal performance.
He therefore advocated the adoption of data, innovation, and modern technology in managing water resources, urging stakeholders to prioritise sustainable practices to drive national development and economic resilience.
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