The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a warning that high risk flood is about to hit 33 states of the federation in 2026.
This warning was contained in the release of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), which predicts that a high flood risk to hit 33 states across Nigeria this year.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, revealed the findings on Wednesday in Abuja, highlighting a significant threat to 14,118 communities within 266 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
According to the report presented by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the flood risk to hit 33 states is Nigeria is driven by a combination of rising sea levels, tidal surges, and intense rainfall patterns linked to global climate variability.
Utsev acknowledged that early information saves lives, livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses, saying that, as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving flood forecasts and preparedness, the modernisation of the national hydrological monitoring networks.
The minister also said his ministry is strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, to ensure better integration of weather and water information, as it is critical for delivering reliable forecasts that support farmers, disaster managers, urban planners, and other key sectors of the economy.
He said AFO is therefore not just a scientific report, it is a call to action by all in terms of preparation ahead of the flood season, as early information saves lives, livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses.
However, the minister acknowledged that forecasts alone are not sufficient if the information does not translate into action at the community level, which he said his Ministry is working with other relevant government agencies to mitigate the impacts of flooding.
Meanwhile, the 2026 AFO presentation had in attendance President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
Others present were the federal ministries: Water Resources and Sanitation; Livestock Development, Environment, and Women Affairs.
Others include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, State Governments, Service Chiefs, development partners and the media.
He said: “The 2026 flood forecast presented today provides us with the following general highlights: High Flood Risk: 14,118 communities in 266 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 33 States and FCT fall within the high flood risk areas. The States are: 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 FCT.
“Moderate Flood Risk: 15,597 Communities in 405 LGAs, 35 states except Ekiti State, will experience moderate flood risk.
“Low Flood Risk: Incidences of minimal flood are 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.
“Flash and Urban Flooding: 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 a lack of flood resilience structures. Cities such as 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 are to experience these categories of flood incidence.
“Coastal and Riverine Flooding: Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo are to experience coastal flooding due to a rise in sea level and tidal surge and this would impact fishing, wildlife habitation, and river navigation.”
He also emphasised that, “As we transition toward a water-based economy, we must recognize that water security is national security. Effective water governance will play a critical role in ensuring food security, supporting economic diversification, and improving the overall well-being of our citizens.”
However, the Minister called on State and Local Governments including communities to start preparation to mitigate the impacts of the predicted flood.
“I therefore call on state governments, local authorities, disaster management agencies, farmers, and community leaders to carefully study the findings and advisories contained in this document and take the necessary steps to prepare for the coming flood season.
“Furthermore, we are encouraging state governments to integrate flood risk considerations into land-use planning, urban development, and infrastructure design.
“Floodplains must be properly managed, drainage systems must be improved, and communities must be empowered to adapt to changing climate conditions.
“Preparedness remains the most effective strategy for reducing flood risks. When we plan, we protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and preserve economic gains. Let us commit to building a safer, more resilient, and more water-secure nation.”
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMET, Prof Charles Anosike, in a goodwill message, acknowledged the devastating effects of flooding that Nigerian and other African countries still struggle to contain.
Anosike also said that with technology, there have been predictions to mitigate the impacts, and said the NIHSA has done well with the presentation of AFO to protect the nation.
He also said NiMET and NiHSA are sister organisations working together to help the country in the management of floods, and added that Nigeria should rethink its development strategy by prioritising issues concerning water resources. He assured that NiMET will continue to work with NiHSA to strengthen predictions.
