The Federal Government has flagged widespread flood risks across the country in its 2026 outlook, raising fresh concerns over climate vulnerability and disaster preparedness as authorities move to strengthen early warning systems. Speaking at the presentation by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in Abuja, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, disclosed that 226 local government areas across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory fall within high-risk zones. In total, over 14,000 communities in 266 LGAs are expected to face severe flooding during the rainy season.
An additional 405 LGAs across 35 states are classified as moderate risk, while 923 communities in 24 states face minimal flood threats. The government also introduced a community-based flood forecasting system designed to improve early warnings and response times at the grassroots level, where much of the flood-related damage and loss of life has historically occurred. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed plans to strengthen emergency response systems, enhance coordination among agencies, and improve communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of alerts.
The 2026 forecast follows devastating floods in previous years, including the 2024 Maiduguri flood that marked a turning point toward proactive disaster management. The government has since invested in hydrological monitoring infrastructure, automated river gauges, and advanced modelling techniques. The NIHSA has upgraded its forecasting system to a hybrid AI-integrated model to improve accuracy and lead time, while a Flood Dashboard now enables real-time monitoring and dissemination of alerts to stakeholders.
Utsev attributed increasing flood incidents to climate variability, rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and poor land-use practices. He urged state governments to integrate flood risk considerations into land-use planning, urban development, and infrastructure design. The minister also called for improved drainage systems, effective floodplain management, and stronger community preparedness to minimise impacts. The economic stakes are high: flooding destroys crops, displaces households, disrupts supply chains, and imposes recovery costs on already strained state and federal budgets.
