NiHSA Warns of Flood Risks in 15 States for September 2026

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), under the direction of Arch Umar Mohammed, released National Flood Advisory NFA-2026-262, warning that between September 19 and 25, 2026, fifteen states, including Imo, Cross River, and Lagos, are at high risk of riverine flooding. The advisory identified over 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools at risk, with Ebonyi alone having 2,574 communities and 1,064 schools exposed.

The advisory urged immediate action from state governments, emphasizing that the flood crisis is not about prediction but a lack of will to act. Historical data reveals that previous flood advisories were ignored, leading to over 600 deaths in 2022, more than 1,200 in 2024, and significant displacement and destruction.

The pattern shows that federal warnings are routinely issued but often disregarded by state governments, resulting in a cycle of disaster and inadequate response.