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As the rainy season kicks off, the Nigerian Government has released the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) on Wednesday, April 15, predicting floods in Bayelsa, Delta, Adamawa, Kebbi, and 29 other states.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, made the announcement in a keynote address at the AFO public presentation held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja, and organised by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NiHSA, with the theme “Smart Water Resources Management: Moving from Oil to Water-Based Economy”.
The Minister stated that early information saves lives and livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses. As part of the Nigerian Government’s commitment to improving flood forecasts and preparedness, the modernisation of the national hydrological monitoring networks is ongoing.
Utsev noted that his Ministry is strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to merge better weather and water information, which is critical for delivering reliable forecasts that support farmers, disaster managers, urban planners, and other major sectors of the economy.
He emphasised that AFO isn’t just a scientific report; it is a call to action for all to prepare ahead of the flood season, as early information saves lives and livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses.
Notwithstanding, the Minister acknowledged that forecasts alone are insufficient if they do not prompt action at the community level, which he said his Ministry is working with other relevant government agencies to reduce the impacts of flooding.
He said, “The 2026 flood forecast presented today provides us with the following general highlights: High Flood Risk: 14,118 communities in 266 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 33 States and FCT fall within the high flood risk areas. The States are: 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, Zamfara and the FCT.
“Moderate Flood Risk: 15,597 Communities in 405 LGAs, 35 states except Ekiti State, will experience moderate flood risk.
“Low Flood Risk: Incidences of minimal flood is expected in 923 communities in 77 LGAs in 24 States. The States are 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.
“Flash and Urban Flooding: Flash and urban flooding are projected in major cities in the country due to high rainfall intensities, low attention to management of water facilities, including drainage systems, waterways and lack of flood resilience structures. Cities such as Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Birnin–Kebbi, Calabar, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Nguru, Onitsha, Oshogbo, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri and Yola, among others, are to experience these categories of flood incidence.
“Coastal and Riverine Flooding: Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Ondo are to experience coastal flooding due to rise in sea level and tidal surge and this would impact on fishing, wildlife habitation and river navigation.”
Furthermore, he emphasised that, “As we transition toward a water-based economy, we must recognise that water security is national security. Effective water governance will play a critical role in ensuring food security, supporting economic diversification, and improving the overall well-being of our citizens.”
However, the Minister called on State and Local Governments, including communities, to begin preparations to ease the impacts of the predicted flood.
“I therefore call on state governments, local authorities, disaster management agencies, farmers, and community leaders to carefully study the findings and advisories contained in this document and take the necessary steps to prepare for the coming flood season.
“Furthermore, we are encouraging state governments to integrate flood risk considerations into land-use planning, urban development, and infrastructure design.
“Floodplains must be properly managed, drainage systems must be improved, and communities must be empowered to adapt to changing climate conditions.
“Preparedness remains the most effective strategy for reducing flood risks. When we plan ahead, we protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and preserve economic gains. Let us commit to building a safer, more resilient and more water-secure nation.”
In the 2026 AFO presentation, President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal. Other reputable people were from the federal ministries of Water Resources and Sanitation, Livestock Development, Environment, and Women Affairs. Others include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, State Governments, Service Chiefs, development partners and the media.
