The Federal Government has issued a seven-day flood alert for 17 states, warning of a medium flood risk between July 21 and July 27 as rising water levels across major rivers increase the likelihood of localised flooding.
The warning was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in its National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) released on Tuesday.
NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, said the advisory followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, placing several communities along river channels and floodplains at risk.
According to him, the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
Mohammed disclosed that river levels at Saminaka on the Karam River, Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded both watch and warning thresholds.
He added that 16 gauging stations across the country are currently recording elevated river levels, increasing the risk of localised flooding in nearby communities.
The NIHSA boss urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone areas to immediately implement precautionary measures to minimise the impact of potential flooding.
According to the agency, Bauchi State faces the highest level of exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.
The advisory also identified several vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans without delay.
He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuable property from flood-prone areas to safer locations ahead of any flooding.
He also advised emergency response agencies to pre-position food supplies, medical materials and water treatment equipment in communities likely to be affected.
To strengthen preparedness, Mohammed urged community leaders to mobilise early warning volunteers and utilise local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.
He further warned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways because of the danger they pose.
The NIHSA Director-General also urged relevant authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
He advised the public and emergency agencies to continue monitoring daily flood forecasts and advisories issued by NIHSA as the rainy season progresses.
