The Federal Government has warned that 226 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria face a high risk of severe flooding in 2026, raising fresh concerns over potential humanitarian and economic impacts.
The alert was issued during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in Abuja.
Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation confirmed that the identified LGAs span 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with thousands of communities expected to be affected.
Utsev disclosed that about 14,118 communities across 266 LGAs fall within areas particularly vulnerable to severe flooding.
The states listed in the high-risk category include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, alongside the FCT.
Also, the report indicated that 405 LGAs across 35 states fall under the moderate flood risk category, with Ekiti State as the only state not listed, underscoring the widespread nature of the threat nationwide.
Additionally , the minimal flooding is projected in 77 LGAs across 24 states, affecting about 923 communities, highlighting varying degrees of vulnerability across the country.
Utsev noted that the 2026 outlook introduces a community-based flood forecasting system designed to deliver more precise, location-specific warnings to improve preparedness and response.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency response systems and promoting sustainable development.
He stressed the need for improved coordination, planning and communication among relevant agencies to enhance disaster management and public awareness.
The event, themed “Smart Water Resources Management: Moving From Oil To A Water-Based Economy,” attracted key stakeholders from the water and environmental sectors.
