The Federal Government has raised alarm over a looming flood threat in 2026, revealing that at least 226 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory fall within high-risk zones.
This disclosure was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in Abuja.
According to the minister, thousands of communities are expected to be directly impacted. He noted that 14,118 communities spread across 266 LGAs in 33 states and the FCT are particularly vulnerable to severe flooding.
States identified as high-risk include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara, alongside the FCT.
The report also highlighted that 405 LGAs across 35 states fall under the moderate flood risk category, with Ekiti State being the only state not listed in this group, indicating widespread vulnerability nationwide.
Meanwhile, minimal flooding is projected in 77 LGAs across 24 states, affecting about 923 communities. States in this category include Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.
Utsev added that the 2026 outlook introduces a community-based flood forecasting system aimed at delivering more precise, location-specific warnings to enhance preparedness and response.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving emergency response systems and promoting sustainable development.
He emphasized the need for better coordination, planning, and communication among relevant agencies, noting that these elements are crucial for effective disaster management and public awareness.
The event, themed “Smart Water Resources Management: Moving From Oil To A Water-Based Economy,” drew participation from top government officials and stakeholders in the water and environmental sectors.
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