A major flood warning has been issued across 15 states, with authorities urging residents in vulnerable communities to move to safer ground.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency issued the warning for September 19 to 25, 2026. The agency said rising river levels could cause flooding in several communities.
NiHSA released the warning in its National Flood Advisory on Saturday. Its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, signed the advisory.
Mohammed said the expected flooding could affect homes and public facilities. These include schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and religious buildings.
He also called on state governments to act quickly. According to him, officials should move residents in high-risk areas to safer locations before the situation worsens.
“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states,” Mohammed said.
He also advised communities on floodplains to prepare for possible evacuation. NiHSA identified Obubra, Itigidi and Epento as monitoring stations along the Cross River.
In Imo State, the agency identified seven local government areas as vulnerable. They include Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru.
NiHSA said the affected areas include 958 communities, 1,022 schools and 553 healthcare facilities. In addition, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings face exposure.
Cross River also faces a significant flood threat. The agency listed Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra among the affected areas.
NiHSA said 2,471 communities could face flooding in the state. The risk also covers 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets and 453 religious buildings. About 854 hectares of farmland could also face exposure.
Meanwhile, six local government areas in Ebonyi made the list. They are Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South.
The agency identified 2,574 communities as vulnerable in Ebonyi. It also listed 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets and 629 religious buildings. In addition, 1,882 hectares of farmland face possible flooding.
In Benue, NiHSA listed Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum. The agency said 303 communities, 100 schools and 48 healthcare facilities could face the impact.
It also identified 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland in the state.
Anambra is another state facing a high flood risk. NiHSA listed Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum.
The agency said 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools and 1,089 healthcare facilities could face flooding. Furthermore, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland are also exposed.
In Akwa Ibom, NiHSA identified Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono.
The agency said 249 communities and 323 schools face potential exposure. It also listed 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings.
Other states on the seven-day flood advisory are Edo, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
NiHSA urged residents in flood-prone communities to remain alert. It particularly warned people living on floodplains to take precautions.
Where necessary, residents should move to higher ground before flooding occurs. The agency also encouraged state governments to take early action to protect lives and critical facilities.
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