By Fatima Saka
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, has raised alarm over a looming flood threat across Nigeria, warning that at least 27 states face a high risk of flooding between July 30 and August 5, 2026.
The DG communicated this in a statement on Thursday, said the agency’s latest hydrological forecast indicates rising river levels across key basins, which could trigger widespread riverine flooding in vulnerable communities if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
He disclosed that 53 major river monitoring stations are currently under threat, with critical locations such as Katsina Ala on the Katsina Ala River, Itoikin on the Aye River, and Onitsha along the River Niger being closely monitored due to their increasing water levels.
According to the NiHSA boss, states expected to experience significant flooding impacts include Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Delta, Kogi, and Edo, among 21 others. He warned that the potential flooding could disrupt communities, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, places of worship, and farmlands.
Mohammed called on state governments, local government authorities, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), traditional institutions, and community leaders to urgently activate emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.
He also advised residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer, elevated grounds where necessary, while urging the public to consistently monitor NiHSA flood advisories. He emphasized the need to pre-position relief materials, prepare evacuation shelters, mobilise community early warning systems, and clear drainage channels to reduce the impact of potential flooding.
The NiHSA DG further cautioned against crossing flooded roads or fast-flowing rivers, noting that such actions often result in avoidable fatalities during flood events.
He stressed that early warning, collective preparedness, and swift response remain the most effective strategies to mitigate flood disasters, urging Nigerians to comply with official advisories and cooperate with emergency response authorities.
READ ALSO: NEDC Unveils ₦100bn Solar Plan, Strategic Investments to Drive North-East Economic Transformation
MURIC Hails NDLEA’s Role in Tackling Insecurity, Urges FG Support
Mohammed assured that NiHSA will continue to monitor hydrological conditions nationwide and provide timely updates to guide decision-making and protect lives and property.
He encouraged the public to access regular flood updates via the agency’s official website.
About The Author
