The agency urges state governments to relocate vulnerable residents as rising river levels threaten communities and critical infrastructure.
NiHSA Issues Flood Alert Across 15 States
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned that more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states face flooding risks between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The agency issued the warning in its latest National Flood Advisory, signed by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed.
NiHSA said rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, threatening schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands.
States Affected
The 15 states listed in the advisory are:
- Imo
- Cross River
- Delta
- Ebonyi
- Benue
- Anambra
- Akwa Ibom
- Edo
- Enugu
- Bayelsa
- Kogi
- Abia
- Taraba
- Rivers
- Lagos
The agency identified nine river stations requiring close monitoring, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.
NiHSA Calls for Emergency Preparations
Mohammed urged affected state governments, local councils, emergency management authorities and community leaders to take immediate precautionary measures.
He advised residents in flood-prone communities, particularly those living on floodplains, to move people, livestock and valuables to safer and higher ground where necessary.
The agency also called for the preparation of temporary shelters, relief materials, safe drinking water and first-aid supplies.
Residents were advised to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
Communities and Facilities at Risk
NiHSA identified several vulnerable areas across the affected states.
In Cross River, the agency listed 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland as exposed.
In Ebonyi, it identified 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland.
Anambra has 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland listed as exposed.
The agency said it would continue monitoring river levels and hydrological conditions while issuing further updates when necessary.
