The FG issues a new nationwide flood warning

The federal government has issued a new nationwide flood warning, alerting residents of hundreds of vulnerable communities across Nigeria to prepare for possible flooding as heavy rains are expected to persist between June 22 and July 5, 2026.

The warning was contained in a flood forecast warning issued by the federal Ministry of Environment through the National Flood Early Warning Center of the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Management.

Signed by the department’s director, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, the advisory identifies communities in more than 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as being exposed to varying degrees of flood risk, urging residents and authorities to take immediate precautionary measures.

Over 30 states listed in flood warning

According to the ministry, states likely to experience flooding include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.

The advisory warns that riverine settlements, coastal communities, floodplains, low-lying urban centers and areas with poor drainage infrastructure remain particularly susceptible to flooding if forecast rainfall intensifies.

Major cities identified as vulnerable include Aba, Umuahia, Uyo, Awka, Onitsha, Yenagoa, Makurdi, Calabar, Asaba, Abakaliki, Benin City, Ado-Ekiti, Enugu, Owerri, Lokoja, Ilorin, Lagos, Minna, Abeokuta, Akure, Osogbo, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Jos, Jalingo and Abuja.

The ministry noted that the advisory was intended to provide an early warning that would allow governments, emergency agencies and residents to adequately prepare before floodwaters begin to rise.

Adamawa, Lagos among the high risk areas

The Federal Ministry of Environment has placed Adamawa State in a special high risk category, warning that several communities may experience severe flooding during the forecast period.

Affected communities include Yola North, Yola South, Numan, Mubi, Song, Shelleng, Karewa, Jambutu, Ngurore, Ribadu, Yolde Pate and Wuro Hausa.

Authorities urged residents in these areas to activate emergency response plans immediately and to remain vigilant throughout the forecast period.

In Lagos State, the ministry has identified several flood-prone locations that require close monitoring, including Agege, Alimosho, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lekki, Ojo and Surulere.

The ministry also advised heightened vigilance in riverine and coastal communities in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and other states where rising water levels could result in widespread flooding.

Heavy rainfall is expected to cause flash flooding

According to the advisory, the increased flood threat is related to forecasts of heavy rainfall capable of causing river overflows, flash floods, waterlogging and inundation of communities located along floodplains, riverbanks, estuaries and poorly drained urban corridors.

The ministry warned that blocked drainage systems and uncontrolled development around waterways could further worsen flooding in many affected communities.

He stressed that residents should avoid dumping waste into drainage ditches, as such practices often contribute to severe flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

The government also encouraged continuous monitoring of weather updates and flood warnings issued by relevant authorities.

The FG directs emergency preparedness

Communities classified as “critical” were asked to immediately monitor water levels, identify safe evacuation routes, protect vulnerable residents and avoid residential or commercial activities within floodplains and drainage channels.

Those classified as “high risk” were advised to step up the removal of blocked drains and culverts, closely monitor nearby rivers and streams, and strengthen community-wide reporting of heavy rainfall and rising water levels to facilitate rapid emergency response.

The ministry also urged state governments, emergency management agencies and local government councils to activate emergency plans, prepare relief materials and intensify public awareness campaigns to minimize the impact of potential floods.

He also appealed to residents in the affected communities to cooperate with emergency officials, follow evacuation directives where necessary, and take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property as the rainy season progresses.