The Federal Government has issued a flood alert for seven states across Nigeria as rising water levels along the River Niger and River Benue threaten to submerge communities.
According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), the affected states include Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Benue, Adamawa, Niger, and Bayelsa, which are currently at high risk of flooding due to overflowing river channels and persistent rainfall.
NiHSA’s Director General, Umar Muhammed, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, warning residents to take precautionary measures and follow official safety advisories.
“Our hydrological monitoring shows high water levels along parts of the Niger and Benue Rivers, with the possibility of localised flooding in Kogi, Anambra, and Delta States,” Muhammed stated.
“We advise residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow all government safety instructions.”
Muhammed added that the agency’s recent water quality assessments revealed contamination in some shallow wells as a result of floodwater intrusion, raising concerns about public health and access to clean water.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among relevant ministries, humanitarian partners, and local authorities to ensure safe drinking water and provide immediate relief to affected communities.
NiHSA Strengthens Early Warning Systems
Highlighting the agency’s preparedness efforts, Muhammed disclosed that NiHSA is implementing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan focused on innovation, regional empowerment, and improved stakeholder engagement — all aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“NiHSA is enhancing its early warning systems using real-time satellite imagery, digital flood modeling, and on-ground measurements to better predict and communicate flood risks,” he explained.
He added that NiHSA maintains a network of hydrological and groundwater monitoring stations across Nigeria, providing vital real-time data for forecasting, land use planning, and disaster response.
Seven States at High Risk of Severe Flooding
Also speaking, NiHSA’s Technical Adviser, Stephen Jabo, identified Benue, Adamawa, Niger, and Bayelsa as particularly high-risk states that may experience severe flooding in the coming weeks, despite the nearing end of the rainy season.
“Communities situated along the riverbanks of the Niger and Benue Rivers should stay alert, move to higher ground, and utilize designated flood camps where available,” Jabo advised.
He urged state governments to intensify public awareness campaigns and clear blocked drainage systems to ensure the free flow of water.
“Residents must avoid walking or swimming through floodwaters, as these pose serious health and safety risks,” he added.
Call for Nationwide Preparedness
The agency reiterated its commitment to a data-driven and proactive flood management approach aimed at saving lives, protecting infrastructure, and enhancing Nigeria’s resilience to climate change.
NiHSA also stressed the importance of collaboration with national and international partners, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and global bodies such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO, to strengthen flood prediction and response capacity.
As rainfall intensifies across the country, the Federal Government urges residents in vulnerable communities to stay informed, prepare evacuation plans, and heed official updates to prevent loss of life and property.
Key Takeaways
Seven states — Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Benue, Adamawa, Niger, and Bayelsa — face imminent flood risk.
Rising water levels recorded along Rivers Niger and Benue.
Residents advised to move to higher ground and avoid floodwaters.
FG calls for stronger collaboration and improved flood preparedness.
