The Federal Government has issued a seven-day flood advisory for 17 states across the country, warning residents and emergency agencies to brace for possible flooding between July 21 and July 27 following rising water levels in major rivers.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) said the alert was triggered by increased water levels recorded at key river monitoring stations, raising the risk of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
The Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) released on Tuesday.
According to the agency, the states at risk are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
Mohammed explained that river levels at Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds, while 16 gauging stations nationwide were already recording elevated water levels capable of triggering floods.
He identified Bauchi as the most vulnerable state, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets exposed to potential flooding.
The NIHSA boss added that vulnerable communities and public infrastructure had also been identified in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
He urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to activate precautionary measures immediately to minimise the impact of any flooding incidents.
Mohammed called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans and relocate residents, livestock and valuables from vulnerable areas to safer locations.
He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food supplies, medical items and water treatment materials in communities likely to be affected.
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According to him, local authorities should intensify public sensitisation campaigns through early warning volunteers and community communication channels to ensure that flood alerts reach residents on time.
The NIHSA chief further warned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways.
He also urged authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
Mohammed advised members of the public and relevant agencies to closely monitor daily flood advisories issued by NIHSA as the rainy season intensifies across the country.
