Flood Alert: Over 200 LGAs, 33 States, 14,000 Communities at Risk in 2026–FG

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has raised the alarm that 14,118 communities in 266 local government areas across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) face the risk of high flooding in 2026.

The Minister disclosed this at the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) with the theme: Smart Water Resources Management-Moving from Oil to Water Based Economy, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

The gathering under the auspices of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), provides evidence-based predictions that enable the government, stakeholders, agencies, state authorities, local governments and communities to prepare ahead of the flood season, adding that “Early information saves lives, livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses.”

He listed the states as Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory.

Part of the statistics also showed that “15,597 Communities in 405 LGAs 35 States except Ekiti State will experience moderate flood risk and Incidences of minimal flood is expected in 923 communities in 77 LGAs in 24 States.

The States are Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.”

Professor Utsev further explained that the high flood Risk Areas is expected between the months of April and November, 2026, adding that, “agriculture, livelihoods, livestock and infrastructure, and the environment will be affected.

“This year, 9,021 communities in 188 LGAs across the country fall within the High Flood Risk areas in the months of April, May and June; while 14,158 communities in 263 LGAs in the months of July, August and September; and 11,575 communities in 224 LGAs in the months of October and November, 2026 are within the High Flood Risk zones.”

He further stressed that Moderate Flood Risk will be between the months of April and November, 2026 and the impacts were expected in 8,225 communities in 228 LGAs within the months of April, May and June; and 15,621 communities in 407 LGAs within the months of July, August and September; and 9,263 communities in 272 LGAs within the months of October and November, 2026.

He also said Flash and urban flooding are projected in major cities in the country due to high rainfall intensities, low attention to management of water facilities including drainage systems, waterways and lack of flood resilience structures.

The flash flood will affect Cities like Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Birnin–Kebbi, Calabar, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Nguru, Onitsha, Oshogbo, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri and Yola, among others.

Also expected within the period under review is Coastal and Riverine Flooding in areas like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Ondo due to rise in sea level and tidal surge, adding that it would have impact on fishing, wildlife habitation and river navigation.

The Minister therefore called on state governments, local authorities, disaster management agencies, farmers, and community leaders to carefully study the findings and advisories in the document and take the necessary steps to prepare for the coming flood season. (Daily Trust)