2026 Flood Outlook: FG lists Bayelsa, Delta, Adamawa, Kebbi, 29 others as high-risk states

The Federal Government has issued a nationwide flood warning, projecting that Bayelsa, Delta, Adamawa, Kebbi and 29 other states will experience flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

This was disclosed on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, under the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) programme titled “Smart Water Resources Management: Moving from Oil to Water-Based Economy.”

Utsev said the government is improving early warning systems through modernisation of hydrological monitoring networks and enhanced cooperation with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to deliver more reliable forecasts.

“The 2026 flood forecast presented today provides us with the following general highlights: High Flood Risk: 14,118 communities in 266 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 33 States and FCT fall within the high flood risk areas… Moderate Flood Risk: 15,597 Communities in 405 LGAs, 35 states except Ekiti State, will experience moderate flood risk,” he stated.

He added that flash and urban flooding is expected in cities including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Benin City, Kaduna and others, attributing the risk to intense rainfall, poor drainage systems and weak water management infrastructure.

The minister further warned that coastal flooding is likely in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Cross River states due to rising sea levels and tidal surges, with potential impacts on livelihoods and transportation routes.

Utsev called on state governments, local authorities and communities to take proactive measures, saying flood preparedness is essential to reduce losses.

“Preparedness remains the most effective strategy for reducing flood risks. When we plan ahead, we protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and preserve economic gains,” he said.

At the event, NiHSA Director General Umar Ibrahim Mohammed said the agency has upgraded its flood forecasting system into a digital intelligence platform powered by AI-based modelling and real-time monitoring tools.

NiMet DG, Prof Charles Anosike, said both agencies are working together to improve flood prediction and strengthen national climate resilience efforts.

Africans Angle News