Federal Government Issues Dire Flood Warning for 33 States and FCT in 2026
The Nigerian Federal Government has raised a critical alarm regarding the looming threat of severe flooding across the nation in 2026. According to official projections, a staggering 14,118 communities spread across 266 Local Government Areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory are at high risk of devastating floods.
Minister Sounds Alarm at Presidential Villa
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, delivered this sobering assessment during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The comprehensive report, developed under the auspices of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, carries the theme Smart Water Resources Management – Moving from Oil to Water Based Economy.
"Early information saves lives, livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses," emphasized Professor Utsev, highlighting the crucial importance of proactive preparation.
High-Risk States and Communities Identified
The detailed forecast identifies specific states facing the greatest danger:
- 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 Federal Capital Territory
The flooding is expected to occur between April and November 2026, with significant impacts projected across multiple sectors including agriculture, livelihoods, livestock, critical infrastructure, and the environment.
Monthly Breakdown of Flood Risk
The Annual Flood Outlook provides a detailed monthly analysis of the impending crisis:
- April – June 2026: 9,021 communities in 188 LGAs face high flood risk
- July – September 2026: 14,158 communities in 263 LGAs face high flood risk
- October – November 2026: 11,575 communities in 224 LGAs face high flood risk
Moderate and Minimal Risk Areas
The report also identifies areas with varying levels of vulnerability:
- 15,597 communities in 405 LGAs across 35 states (excluding Ekiti) will experience moderate flood risk
- 923 communities in 77 LGAs across 24 states will face minimal flood risk
Urban and Coastal Flooding Threats
Major urban centers face particular danger from flash and urban flooding due to inadequate drainage systems, poor water management, and insufficient flood resilience infrastructure. Cities at highest risk include:
- Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Calabar, Warri, and Onitsha
- Additional vulnerable cities: Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Asaba, Birnin-Kebbi, Makurdi, Nguru, Oshogbo, Sokoto, and Yola
Coastal and riverine flooding poses additional threats to states including Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo. Rising sea levels and tidal surges are expected to disrupt fishing activities, damage wildlife habitats, and hinder river navigation.
Government Calls for Urgent Action
The Minister has issued a strong appeal to state governments, local authorities, disaster management agencies, agricultural stakeholders, and community leaders to thoroughly study the report's findings and implement proactive measures ahead of the 2026 flood season. The warning emphasizes that timely preparation could significantly reduce potential loss of life and economic damage.
This comprehensive flood outlook follows earlier warnings from the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, which predicted heavy rainfall and potential flooding in ten states between April 8 and April 12, 2026. The coordinated warnings underscore the government's growing concern about climate-related disasters and their potential impact on Nigeria's development and security.
