The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has raised the alarm over high flood risk across 27 states between July 30 and August 5, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, *Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, warned of rising river levels and called for collective preparedness to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
According to the latest hydrological forecast, 53 key river monitoring stations* are currently at risk. Critical locations under close watch include Katsina Ala on the Katsina Ala River, Itoikin on the Aye River, and Onitsha on the River Niger.
The agency listed Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Delta, Kogi, and Edo as states expected to experience significant impacts, along with 21 other states.
NiHSA said the anticipated flooding could affect communities, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, places of worship, and farmlands if timely preventive measures are not taken.
The agency urged state governments, emergency management agencies, and residents in flood-prone areas to activate early warning systems and take necessary precautions.
Mohammed urged residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer, higher ground where necessary, monitor NiHSA’s flood advisories regularly, pre-position relief materials and emergency supplies, prepare evacuation shelters, mobilise community early warning volunteers, avoid crossing flooded roads or fast-flowing rivers, and clear drainage channels to minimise flood impacts.
He stressed that collective preparedness, early warning, and timely action remain the most effective measures for reducing the devastating impacts of flooding, urging all Nigerians to heed official advisories and cooperate with emergency response authorities.
He assured the public that NiHSA will continue to closely monitor river conditions nationwide and provide timely forecasts and advisories to support informed decision-making and protect lives and property.
The sgency had last week’s Tuesday warned of imminent flooding in Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and 11 additional states.
The NIHSA issued a National Flood Advisory (Alert No.: NFA-2026-200) forecasting a Medium Flood Risk across 17 states.
According to the release, “The 7-day advisory, effective from July 21 to July 27, 2026, highlights imminent localised inundations along key river channels and floodplains.”
