Nigeria’s hydrological agency has issued a stark warning that more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states are at high risk of flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The latest National Flood Advisory from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) highlights rising river levels that could flood vulnerable areas. Rising river levels threaten homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings, and farmlands.
NiHSA Director-General and CEO Arch Umar Mohammed released the advisory on Saturday, September 19, urging state governments to act quickly by relocating residents from flood-prone communities to safer ground. 
SEE ALSO: How Much Does Lagos Lose to Floods?
States on High Flood Risk Alert
The 15 states flagged include: Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers, and Lagos.
Mohammed particularly noted a high risk of riverine flooding over the next seven days. He says stations such as Obubra, Itigidi, and Epento on the Cross River are already showing elevated levels.
Breakdown of Exposure in Key States
Imo State
Local Government Areas (LGAs) at risk include Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma, and Ikeduru.
Exposed assets: 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets, and 198 religious buildings.
Cross River State
Affected LGAs: Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom, and Obubra.
Exposed assets: 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings, and 854 hectares of farmland.
Ebonyi State
Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North, and Ezza South LGAs.
Exposed assets: 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings, and 1,882 hectares of farmland.
Benue State
Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum.
Exposed assets: 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings, and 55 hectares of farmland.
Anambra State
Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South, and Ayamelum.
Exposed assets: 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings, and 1,529 hectares of farmland.
Akwa Ibom State
Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika, and Ikono.
Exposed assets: 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets, and 289 religious buildings.
NiHSA is advising residents in floodplain communities to prepare to move to higher ground where necessary and to take all possible precautionary measures.
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