The Nigerian government has issued a fresh flood alert, warning that 1,402 communities across 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of flooding between July 5 and July 18, 2026, following forecasts of heavy rainfall across the country.
According to a flood prediction released by the Federal Ministry of Environment through its National Flood Early Warning Systems Center, 987 locations in 21 states have been classified as Critical Risk Areas, while 415 communities in seven states and the FCT fall under the High Risk category.
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Director/Erosion, Flood & Coastal Zone Mgt Dept in the Ministry Usman Bokani, said the forecast was based on community risk levels, rainfall projections, hydrometeorological vulnerability indicators, and flood risk assessments.
“Among the states listed as facing the highest flood threat are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Rivers.”
Major urban centres identified include Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Enugu, Aba, Calabar, Warri, Makurdi, Lokoja, Owerri, Umuahia, Asaba, Akure, Ibadan and Abeokuta, among several others.
Communities classified under the High Risk category are located in Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Taraba states.
Mr Bokani urged residents of communities under the Critical Risk category to remain on high alert, identify safe evacuation routes, protect vulnerable residents and avoid living, trading or carrying out other activities within floodplains, riverbanks and low-lying drainage corridors.
He also directed State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities, environmental officers and community flood focal persons to intensify surveillance around rivers, bridges, culverts, drainage systems, estuaries and erosion-prone locations to minimise the impact of potential flooding.
“For communities designated as High Risk Areas, the ministry advised immediate clearing of blocked drains, continuous monitoring of streams and culverts, prompt reporting of rising water levels and early communication of flood signs to the National Flood Early Warning Systems Center.” he stated.
The Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Mr Bokani, also called on state governments, emergency responders and residents to take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
The ministry also appealed to stakeholders, state governments and community representatives to provide field feedback to support continuous updates of the National Flood Early Warning Systems Center’s flood risk database.
The latest alert comes as Nigeria enters the peak of its rainy season, with authorities urging the public to heed official warnings and avoid unnecessary exposure to flood-prone areas.
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