The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert for 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning of possible severe flooding between July 22 and August 5.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammad said the alert is based on the agency’s latest forecast, which corresponds with its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) published in April.
Mohammad explained that the agency anticipates flooding in over 739 communities across 162 local government areas.
He listed the states at risk as Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
The NIHSA DG also warned that major urban centers, including Lagos and Abuja, may be affected.
He highlighted that more than 100 key transport routes—such as the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Road, Birnin Kebbi-Bunza Road, and Ibi-Wukari Road—are at significant risk.
“There is also an increased risk of property damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in low-lying and flood-prone areas,” the statement reads.
Mohammad further cautioned that farmlands may be submerged, which could negatively affect food production and threaten national food security.
He urged emergency management agencies and state governments to activate their flood response strategies and advised residents in high-risk zones to prepare for possible evacuation.
The agency encouraged Nigerians to stay informed through NIHSA’s flood dashboard at www.nihsa.gov.ng and via its official social media platforms.