The federal government has raised alarm over looming flood threats, warning that more than 14,000 communities across Nigeria fall within high-risk zones for the 2026 rainy season.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, disclosed this in Abuja during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
According to him, 226 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been classified as high flood risk zones.
“About 14,118 communities in 266 local government areas across 33 states and the FCT fall within high flood risk areas this year,” Utsev said.
He listed affected states to include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Rivers and others.
The outlook also identified 405 local government areas in 35 states as being under moderate flood risk, while minimal flooding is expected in 923 communities across 77 LGAs in 24 states.
Utsev noted that this year’s forecast introduces a new community-based approach to improve response time and targeted interventions.
“This means flood predictions are now tailored to specific communities for quicker and more effective action,” he explained.
The event, themed “Smart Water Resources Management: Moving from Oil to a Water-Based Economy,” drew key stakeholders, including representatives of President Bola Tinubu and other cabinet members.
The minister urged state governments and residents in vulnerable areas to take early precautions to minimise the impact of anticipated flooding.