The Federal Government has issued a nationwide flood alert, warning residents in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, and 28 other states to brace for potential flooding as rainfall intensifies across the country.

This was made known through a joint advisory by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The agencies warned that current hydrological trends and weather forecasts show increasing water levels and a heightened risk of flash floods and river overflows in both urban and rural communities. Director General of NIHSA, Clement Nze, noted that Nigeria is currently entering a critical phase of the rainy season, with rivers such as the Niger and Benue rising rapidly due to persistent rainfall. “We are in a peak period for flooding. The combination of heavy rains, blocked drainage systems, and possible dam releases could trigger devastating floods if proactive steps are not taken,” Nze said during a briefing in Abuja. The flood-prone states identified in the alert include: Lagos, FCT, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Anambra, Kogi, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Niger, Kwara, Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Enugu. NEMA Director General, Mustapha Ahmed, emphasized that emergency response units are on standby, while state and local governments have been urged to begin sensitization and evacuation planning in high-risk areas. He further advised the public to avoid dumping waste into drainage systems and to comply with safety warnings. “Preparedness is key. Communities near riverbanks or flood plains should take evacuation alerts seriously to prevent loss of lives and property,” Ahmed stated. NiMet’s updated forecast indicates that August will bring more intense rainfall, especially in southern and central parts of the country.