The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states between September 19 and 25, warning of possible riverine flooding as river levels rise across the affected areas.
The alert, designated NFA-2026-262, covers Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia states.
NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that nine river stations had been identified as being at risk and would require close monitoring.
Among the locations highlighted were Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.
Mohammed urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to take immediate precautionary measures to protect lives and property.
He also advised residents in flood-prone communities to relocate people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer and higher ground where necessary.
According to the agency’s assessment, large populations and critical infrastructure are exposed to potential flooding across the affected states.
In Cross River alone, the assessment identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland within the identified flood-risk areas.
Mohammed urged communities to activate local early-warning and emergency response mechanisms while closely monitoring NiHSA’s flood advisories and river-level updates.
He cautioned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
Authorities and communities were also advised to pre-position relief supplies, safe drinking water, water-treatment materials and first-aid equipment, as well as identify and prepare safe locations for possible temporary evacuation.
The NiHSA chief further urged residents to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so, while avoiding construction and habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.
He stressed that early action and compliance with official flood warnings would be crucial to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
NiHSA said it would continue monitoring hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates when necessary.
