President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger national preparedness and coordinated action to address flooding across Nigeria, as the Federal Government presented the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja.
Speaking at the presentation at the State House Banquet Hall, the President said flooding remains one of the country’s major environmental challenges, affecting communities and food production across several states.
Represented by the minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, the President noted that his administration has prioritised food security under its Eight-Point Agenda, with water resource management playing a central role in achieving national food sufficiency.
President Tinubu recalled that targeted flood control interventions have been implemented across the country, particularly in flood-prone states including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Kebbi, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River.
He said these efforts have contributed to improving agricultural output and strengthening food availability.
The President also highlighted lessons from the 2024 Maiduguri floods in Borno State, noting that government has since shifted from reactive response to anticipatory flood management.
He explained that the Office of the Vice President, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser, development partners, and relevant agencies, now leads coordinated early warning and preparedness efforts to prevent a recurrence of such disasters.
He described the Annual Flood Outlook as a critical national planning tool that provides early warning information for all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local government areas, enabling timely preparedness, response, and evacuation measures.
President Tinubu further urged the Ministries of Water Resources and Sanitation, and Marine and Blue Economy, to develop a clear framework for harnessing Nigeria’s water resources to support economic diversification beyond oil.
He said proper management of water resources could significantly boost agriculture, industry, and national development.
The President called for sustained collaboration among federal and state governments, security agencies, development partners, and local communities to build a flood-resilient Nigeria and protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods, and to strengthening environmental resilience across the country.
