By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Nigeria is facing a major flood threat as authorities warn that 266 Local Government Areas across 33 states are highly vulnerable to severe flooding in 2026.
April 16, 2026 — The warning comes from the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which identifies over 14,118 communities as high-risk zones nationwide.
The forecast indicates that flooding will likely affect multiple regions between April and November, with varying intensity across states.
According to the report, states such as Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Benue, Kano, and Borno are among the most exposed due to a combination of heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, rising sea levels, and rapid urban expansion.
Officials also highlighted that major cities including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Kano may experience flash and urban flooding, while coastal states face additional risks from tidal surges and river overflow.
The federal government has urged state authorities and local communities to activate early warning systems, clear drainage channels, and strengthen disaster preparedness to reduce potential loss of lives and property.
Beyond the statistics, the warning underscores a recurring national challenge; where climate pressure, infrastructure gaps, and urban planning weaknesses continue to turn seasonal rainfall into large-scale humanitarian risk.
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