FG Issues Flood Alert to 15 States, Urges Residents to Move to Higher Ground

The Federal Government has warned of a high risk of riverine flooding across 15 states between September 19 and 25, 2026, urging residents in vulnerable communities to move to safer and higher ground.

The warning was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) in its National Flood Advisory released on Saturday.

NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, said rising river levels could trigger flooding in several communities, putting schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms and religious buildings at risk.

The agency identified Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra and Akwa Ibom among the states facing significant flood risks. Other affected states include Edo, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.

In Imo State, several local government areas, including Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru, were identified as vulnerable.

NiHSA said 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings are exposed to flood risks in the state.

In Cross River, affected areas include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra. The agency identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland as exposed.

Ebonyi was also listed as vulnerable, with 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland at risk.

NiHSA advised residents living on floodplains and in other flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures and relocate to higher ground where necessary.

The agency also urged state governments to urgently assist residents in vulnerable communities to move to safer locations before the expected rise in river levels.

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