The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high riverine flood warning for 15 states, forecasting potentially dangerous flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The agency urged state governments and residents in vulnerable communities to take immediate precautionary measures, including moving people and property to safer, higher ground before river levels rise further.
The warning was contained in NiHSA’s National Flood Advisory released on Saturday by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed.
Mohammed said rising river levels could trigger flooding in several communities and put schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms and places of worship at risk.
“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states. Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding,” he said.
“Communities on the floodplain should prepare to move to higher ground. Stations include Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River.”
Imo, Cross River Among High-Risk Areas
In Imo State, NiHSA identified Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru local government areas as vulnerable.
The agency said 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings are exposed in the affected areas.
Cross River State is also expected to face significant riverine flooding, particularly in Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.
NiHSA listed 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland as exposed to the risk.
Ebonyi, Benue and Anambra Also Affected
In Ebonyi State, the affected local government areas are Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South.
The agency identified 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets and 629 religious buildings as vulnerable. A further 1,882 hectares of farmland are also exposed.
In Benue State, the warning covers Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum local government areas.
NiHSA estimates that 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland could be affected.
Anambra State is also on the high-risk list, with Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum identified as vulnerable local government areas.
The agency said 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland are exposed.
Akwa Ibom, Nine Other States on Alert
In Akwa Ibom State, NiHSA identified Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono as affected local government areas.
The agency listed 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings among the exposed assets.
Other states named in the advisory are Edo, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
NiHSA called on state authorities to act before the forecast period peaks, particularly in communities located on floodplains and near rivers.
Residents in vulnerable areas have also been advised to monitor official flood alerts and be prepared to move to safer locations if water levels begin to rise.
