Nigeria Forecasts Floods in 33 States for 2026

On Wednesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria released the 2026 annual flood outlook, predicting that 33 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, will experience flooding. Engr. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources, highlighted the importance of early warning alerts to save lives and protect infrastructure.

The forecast indicates that states such as Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Ekiti may escape severe flooding, while others like Adamawa, Lagos, and Bayelsa are at risk. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) is working to modernize the national hydrological monitoring network and strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for better flood forecasting.

The 2026 outlook aligns with the Tinubu administration's agenda for economic diversification and climate resilience. The report underscores the need for actionable measures at the community level to mitigate flood impacts, drawing lessons from the devastating 2012 floods that resulted in significant loss of life and property.