FG Warns of High Flood Risk for Ebonyi, FCT in 2026

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has issued a warning indicating that Ebonyi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at high risk of flooding in 2026. This warning encompasses 14,118 communities across 266 local government areas in 33 states, as presented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja.

The report highlights that 15,597 communities in 405 local government areas across 35 states are at moderate flood risk, while an additional 923 communities in 77 local government areas across 24 states are projected to experience minimal flooding. Major urban centers, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and others, are particularly vulnerable to flash floods due to heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, and inadequate flood control infrastructure.

The report emphasizes the need for collective action to tackle flood risks, improve drainage systems, and strengthen resilience measures. The Director General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Moham, described the annual flood outlook as a critical tool for early warning and emergency response planning.