The Federal Government has raised the alarm over an imminent flood threat in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, Rivers and 28 other states, urging residents in vulnerable communities to prepare for possible evacuation.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued the warning in a flood alert made public on Thursday, citing rising river levels and persistent heavy rainfall as factors increasing the risk of flooding between August 7 and 21.
Umar Ibrahim, Director General of NIHSA, disclosed that 198 Local Government Areas across 31 states and the FCT fall within the projected flood impact zone. According to him, over 800 communities may be affected during the two-week period.
“Possible disruption of major transportation routes is anticipated,” Ibrahim said, referencing data from the agency’s colour-coded flood risk map.
States listed include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, and Nasarawa. Others are Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
The agency advised emergency response stakeholders to activate their disaster management plans and ensure early warning messages reach residents in high-risk zones. It also urged community leaders and local authorities to begin evacuation arrangements where necessary.
In Lagos State, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents in lowland areas such as Ajegunle, Majidu in Ikorodu, and parts of Lekki to temporarily relocate to safer grounds.
“Those around the Ajilete axis of Lagos, that’s Ajegunle, they have to move. Those around the coastline of Ikorodu – Majidu – have to move. Some areas around the Lekki corridor, too,” Wahab said during a live interview on Channels Television.
According to him, areas such as Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja are expected to remain relatively safe. However, he warned that Isheri in the OPIC axis of the state remains vulnerable.
“Lagos, being a coastal city, will experience flash flooding. We are expecting more rain this year based on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s predictions,” Wahab added.
Earlier in the week, several parts of Lagos were submerged following a prolonged downpour from Sunday night through Monday evening. Viral videos showed flooded homes and vehicles, with residents wading through waist-high water and businesses paralysed by the overflow from blocked drainage channels.
While calling for calm, Wahab assured the public that the state government had intensified the clearing of drains and water channels as part of efforts to reduce the impact of the seasonal flooding.
NIHSA, in its advisory, encouraged Nigerians to stay updated with local forecasts and information through its weekly state-level reports, community-specific alerts, and the agency’s online flood dashboard.
