The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning that 17 states face a medium flood risk between July 21 and July 27 following rising water levels in major rivers across the country.
The agency said the advisory became necessary after water levels at key river monitoring stations exceeded critical thresholds, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding in river channels and floodplains.
In the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday, the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, identified the affected states as Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to him, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River have exceeded watch and warning thresholds, while 16 river gauging stations across the country are currently recording elevated water levels.
He warned that communities located around the affected rivers and floodplains could experience localised flooding if residents fail to heed early warning signals.
Mohammed disclosed that Bauchi State has the highest level of exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable to flooding.
He added that several communities and critical public infrastructure in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states are also at risk.
The NIHSA boss urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to immediately activate precautionary measures to minimise the impact of possible flooding.
He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government councils and community leaders to activate emergency response plans and intensify public sensitisation on the impending flood threat.
Mohammed also advised residents living in vulnerable areas to relocate people, livestock and valuable property to safer locations, while emergency agencies should pre-position relief materials, including food, medical supplies and water treatment equipment, for rapid response.
He further recommended the deployment of early warning volunteers and the use of community communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.
The Director-General cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways, stressing that such actions could endanger lives.
He also urged relevant authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
Mohammed advised members of the public and disaster management agencies to closely monitor daily flood forecasts and advisories issued by NIHSA throughout the period of the alert.
