The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a warning of possible flooding in 107 local government areas across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between September 1 and September 15.
The advisory, released on Monday in Abuja, was based on projections from the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, supported by real-time hydrometric readings, river stage forecasts, and satellite data.
According to NiHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, more than 631 communities and 50 critical transport and infrastructure points could be affected.
The states under flood watch 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.
Mohammed explained that the risks range from moderate to very high, with threats of river overbanking, flash floods, and localised inundation in low-lying and riverine areas.
He warned that the floods could disrupt highways and bridges, damage farmlands, threaten lives and livelihoods, and increase risks of water contamination and disease outbreaks.
NiHSA urged federal and state emergency agencies to activate contingency plans, deploy rapid response teams, and pre-position relief materials. It also advised local government authorities and community leaders to step up sensitisation campaigns, identify evacuation routes, and prepare shelters for vulnerable residents.
“Communities and individuals should avoid flooded roads, move to higher ground where necessary, and follow official safety instructions. This alert is to safeguard lives and property, and we call for proactive measures across all levels,” Mohammed said.
