Korede Abdullah 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has warned that more than 14,000 communities across Nigeria face a high risk of severe flooding in 2026, urging urgent preventive action.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, disclosed this at the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Wednesday.
According to the forecast on Wednesday, 14,118 communities in 266 local government areas across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory fall within high-risk zones, while 15,597 are at moderate risk.
Utsev warned that major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Kano could experience flash and urban flooding, with coastal states such as Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers also facing rising sea-level threats.
“The Annual Flood Outlook is not just a scientific report; it is a call to action. Early warning saves lives and reduces economic losses,” he said.
The minister attributed the risks to climate variability, rapid urbanisation and poor drainage infrastructure.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, urged proactive mitigation strategies, describing flooding as a persistent national challenge.
NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed added that the forecast is supported by AI-driven systems, urging residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures.
Authorities called on state governments to strengthen land-use planning, improve drainage systems and enhance community preparedness ahead of the rainy season.
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Otamere Gladness 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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