The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a high-priority flood advisory placing 17 states across the country on medium flood risk alert, warning of imminent localised flooding in vulnerable communities between July 21 and July 27, 2026.
Advisory Details and Affected States
The advisory, referenced as National Flood Advisory Alert No. NFA-2026-200, was signed by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Arc. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed. It warned that the affected states face a medium risk of flooding, especially in communities near major rivers and floodplains.
The 17 states identified by NIHSA as vulnerable are: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Rising Water Levels and Monitoring Stations
NIHSA said water levels at 16 monitoring stations across the country have risen above warning levels, increasing the risk of flooding in several communities. The hydrological situation was being driven by rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, including Saminara on the Karam River, the Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River.
Projected Exposure by State
The agency provided a projected exposure breakdown showing the extent of potential impact. Bauchi recorded the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets identified as being at risk. In Imo, 415 communities, 423 schools, 75 hectares of farmlands, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, and 111 religious centres were listed as vulnerable.
Plateau has 205 communities, 137 schools, 64 hectares of farmlands, 44 health facilities, 81 religious centres, and 16 markets at risk, while Kaduna has 168 communities, 3 religious centres, 16 schools, and three health facilities identified as vulnerable. Benue State has 5 communities, 8 schools, 2 health facilities, and 4 religious centres exposed. The advisory further stated that Edo has 148 communities, 7 religious centres, 7 hectares of farmlands, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, and four markets exposed to potential flooding.
Safety Recommendations and Urgent Actions
NIHSA urged state governments, local authorities, and residents living in floodplain areas to take immediate proactive measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property. The agency advised residents, livestock owners, and households in vulnerable communities to relocate to designated high-ground shelters without delay. It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management Agencies to pre-position medical kits, water treatment supplies, and food in emergency shelters.
In addition, local councils were directed to desilt blocked drains, culverts, and water channels to ensure smooth discharge of floodwaters, while motorists and pedestrians were warned against driving or walking through flooded roads, submerged bridges, or fast-flowing water channels.
