The Federal Government has issued a seven-day flood alert for 17 states, warning residents and authorities to prepare for possible flooding between July 21 and July 27.
The warning was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which attributed the alert to rising water levels at major river monitoring stations across the country.
In the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) released on Tuesday, the agency’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, listed the affected states as Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to Mohammed, river levels at Saminaka on the Karam River, Waya Dam on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River have exceeded watch and warning thresholds, increasing the risk of localised flooding.
He added that 16 river gauging stations nationwide were currently recording elevated water levels, placing nearby communities and floodplains at risk.
NIHSA identified Bauchi as the most vulnerable state, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets exposed to potential flooding.
The agency also highlighted vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone areas to immediately activate precautionary measures to minimise the impact of possible flooding.
He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans and relocate residents, livestock and valuables from flood-prone areas to safer locations.
The NIHSA boss also advised emergency responders to pre-position food supplies, medical items and water treatment materials in vulnerable communities.
He further urged authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow, while calling on residents to avoid driving, walking or riding through flooded roads and fast-flowing rivers.
Mohammed advised the public and relevant agencies to monitor daily flood forecasts and advisories issued by the agency for timely updates.
