The Federal Government has disclosed that 226 local government areas across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory fall within high flood risk zones in 2026, putting 14,118 communities on alert.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, made the announcement on Wednesday during the public presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency. The event was held at the State Banquet Hall of the Aso Villa, Abuja.
“Fourteen thousand, one hundred and eighteen communities in 226 local government areas in 33 states and the FCT fall within the high flood risk areas,” Utsev said.
The affected 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.
According to the 2026 outlook, 405 LGAs in 35 states are classified under moderate flood risk. Ekiti is the only state not listed in that category. In addition, incidents of minimal flooding are projected in 923 communities across 77 LGAs in 24 states.
The minister noted that the 24 states where minimal flood incidents are expected 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 explained that this year’s Annual Flood Outlook introduces community-based flood forecasting, a shift designed to improve response time. “Forecasts are now tailored to specific communities for quick intervention,” he said.
The presentation, themed ‘Smart Water Resources Management: Moving From Oil To A Water-Based Economy’, was attended by ministers and key stakeholders in the water, environment, and emergency management sectors.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency response systems and promoting sustainable development nationwide. Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the government had assessed existing challenges and recognised the critical role of rescue teams in mitigating emergencies.
He said efforts are underway to enhance the capacity and strategic direction of relevant ministries to ensure more effective and timely responses. The President stressed that building a sustainable future requires improved coordination, planning, and service delivery.
“Effective communication remains a key tool in fostering collaboration, increasing public awareness, and ensuring prompt response to emerging issues,” Tinubu stated. He expressed confidence that with improved communication and strategic planning, the government would overcome current challenges and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
The warning comes as Lagos State earlier predicted above-normal rainfall for 2026 and issued a flood alert to residents. Authorities have urged states and communities in high-risk areas to activate mitigation measures ahead of the peak rainy season.
