NIHSA Issues Flood Alert for Ondo, 26 Other States, FCT Amid Risk to Lives, Infrastructure

 NIHSA Issues Flood Alert for Ondo, 26 Other States, FCT Amid Risk to Lives, Infrastructure

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a red alert over the likelihood of severe flooding in 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between July 22 and August 5.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammad, said the warning follows the agency’s latest forecast, which aligns with its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released in April.

According to Mohammad, over 739 communities across 162 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are at high risk, with potential impacts on lives, property, and national infrastructure. The affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

The agency specifically warned that major urban centres like Lagos and Abuja could be seriously affected. Key transport corridors such as the Okene–Lokoja–Abuja Road, Birnin Kebbi–Bunza Road, and Ibi–Wukari Road have been identified as high-risk routes.

“There is also an increased risk of property damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in low-lying and flood-prone areas,” the NIHSA DG warned.

He further highlighted the potential for widespread damage to farmlands, which could severely disrupt food production and threaten national food security.

NIHSA has called on state governments and emergency management agencies to activate their response strategies, urging residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for possible evacuations.

The agency advised the public to remain alert and stay updated through its official flood monitoring dashboard at www.nihsa.gov.ng and via its verified social media platforms.