NiHSA warns of rising river levels across 15 states, urges residents in floodplains to move to safer ground.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform | September 21, 2026.
The Federal Government has issued a fresh flood warning across the country, with more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools in 15 states identified as being at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The warning was contained in the latest National Flood Advisory issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), which cautioned that rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities during the seven-day forecast period.
According to NiHSA, the affected states are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
The agency said the anticipated flooding could affect not only residential communities but also schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands, potentially disrupting social and economic activities in affected areas.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Arch Umar Mohammed, urged the affected state governments to take immediate precautionary measures and consider relocating residents living in highly vulnerable communities to safer locations.
He specifically advised communities situated on floodplains and areas close to rivers to prepare for possible evacuation and move to higher ground where necessary, as rising river stages could result in rapid increases in water levels.
States and Communities Under Watch
In Imo State, NiHSA identified Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru Local Government Areas among vulnerable areas.
The agency reported that 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings are exposed to the flood risk in the state.
In Cross River State, eight Local Government Areas — Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra — were identified as vulnerable.
NiHSA said 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets and 453 religious buildings, alongside 854 hectares of farmland, are exposed in the state.
Ebonyi State is also among the states facing significant exposure. The affected areas include Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South Local Government Areas.
The agency listed 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets and 629 religious buildings, as well as 1,882 hectares of farmland, as exposed to the risk.
In Benue State, the vulnerable Local Government Areas include Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum. NiHSA identified 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets and 151 religious buildings as exposed.
In Anambra State, Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum were listed among the vulnerable areas. The agency said 1,314 communities and 1,308 schools are exposed, alongside 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland.
Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Rivers, Lagos Also Affected
In Akwa Ibom State, NiHSA identified Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono Local Government Areas among locations vulnerable to flooding.
The agency listed 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings as exposed in the state.
Other states listed in the national advisory include Enugu, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Abia and Taraba, highlighting the broad geographical spread of the current flood risk.
The agency’s warning comes amid continued rainfall and rising water levels in several parts of the country, making early preparation and timely response particularly important for communities located along river channels, floodplains and other low-lying areas.
NiHSA Calls for Early Action
NiHSA urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions from government authorities and emergency management agencies.
The agency advised residents living in vulnerable locations to avoid waiting until flooding becomes severe before taking action, stressing the importance of moving to safer and higher ground where necessary.
State governments and relevant emergency agencies are also expected to strengthen preparedness, monitor vulnerable communities and ensure that evacuation and emergency-response arrangements are activated where required.
The flood advisory underscores the importance of coordinated action among federal and state authorities, local governments, community leaders and residents to minimise potential loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption to education, healthcare, agriculture and other economic activities.
As the September 19–25 forecast window continues, residents across the affected states are being encouraged to stay informed and treat official flood warnings seriously.
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