The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, has warned of an increased flood threat across 27 states, urging governments, emergency agencies and residents to take immediate precautionary measures to avert loss of lives and property.
The warning follows NiHSA’s latest hydrological forecast, which identified a high flood risk between July 30 and August 5, 2026, as rising river levels threaten to trigger riverine flooding in vulnerable communities across the country.
Umar Ibrahim Mohammed stated that 53 key river monitoring stations are under close watch, with critical locations including Katsina Ala River in Benue State, Aye River at Itoikin in Lagos State, and the River Niger at Onitsha in Anambra State recording rising water levels.
He said Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Delta, Kogi and Edo are among the states expected to experience significant flooding, warning that homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, places of worship and farmlands could be affected if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
The NiHSA Director-General called on state and local governments, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of flood-prone areas to immediately activate emergency preparedness and response plans.
He advised residents in vulnerable communities to relocate to safer grounds where necessary, monitor NiHSA’s flood advisories, avoid crossing flooded roads and fast-flowing rivers, clear drainage channels and support community-based early warning efforts.
Mohammed stressed that early preparedness and coordinated action remain the most effective ways to minimise the impact of flooding, urging Nigerians to comply with official advisories and cooperate with emergency response agencies.
He assured the public that NiHSA will continue to monitor river conditions nationwide and issue timely flood forecasts to help protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
