FG Warns 19 States of Severe Flood Risks Ahead

The Federal Government has issued a warning regarding potential flooding that may affect 915 communities across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between August 27 and September 9, 2026. This advisory was communicated through the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, which categorized these communities as being at critical risk.

Additionally, 429 communities in seven states are identified as high risk, while another 656 communities across 13 states are under moderate flood-risk watch. The states under critical risk include Kogi, Benue, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.

Major cities that could be impacted include Lokoja, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Asaba, Calabar, and others. The warning cites factors such as high soil moisture, ongoing rainfall, rapid surface runoff, pressure on drainage systems, and rising river levels as contributing to the flood threat.

Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, advised residents in critical-risk areas to prepare for emergencies and identify safe evacuation routes.