NiHSA Issues Flood Alert for 27 Nigerian States

Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), has raised an alert regarding the risk of flooding in Nigeria, warning that 27 states could face significant riverine flooding between July 30 and August 5, 2026. This warning is based on NiHSA’s latest hydrological forecast, which indicates rising river levels that could lead to floods in vulnerable communities if preventive measures are not implemented.

Currently, 53 key river monitoring stations are under threat, with critical locations such as Katsina Ala on the Katsina Ala River, Itoikin on the Aye River, and Onitsha on the River Niger being closely monitored. States expected to be most affected include Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Delta, Kogi, and Edo.

Mohammed called for immediate activation of emergency response plans by state governments, local councils, and emergency management agencies. He advised residents in flood-prone areas to relocate if necessary and to prepare for potential flooding by following NiHSA’s advisories.