FLOOD THREAT: Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Imo, Abia on Alert
Eight Niger Delta states have been placed on high flood alert following a fresh warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NiHSA, over the risk of riverine flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The affected Niger Delta states are Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Imo and Abia.
NiHSA said rising river levels could expose thousands of communities, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farmlands and religious centres to flooding during the period.
Among the Niger Delta states, Cross River faces one of the highest levels of exposure, with 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland identified as vulnerable.
The local government areas listed in Cross River include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.
In Imo State, the affected areas include Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte Uboma and Ikeduru.
NiHSA said 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings are exposed in the state.
For Akwa Ibom State, vulnerable areas include Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono.
The agency said nearly 250 communities and more than 320 schools could be affected if flooding occurs.
Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers and Abia are also listed among the states facing heightened flood risk, with residents in low-lying and riverine communities advised to remain alert and prepare for possible evacuation where necessary.
Outside the Niger Delta, the advisory also covers Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Enugu, Kogi, Taraba and Lagos, bringing the total number of affected states to 15.
In Ebonyi State, NiHSA identified 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland as exposed.
In Anambra, vulnerable areas include Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum.
Following the warning, the Lagos State Government has advised residents in flood-prone areas to temporarily relocate to higher ground where necessary.
Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, warned residents against waiting until floodwaters rise before taking action, saying, “No property is worth risking your life.”
NiHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, urged state governments and residents in vulnerable communities to move people, livestock and valuables to safer locations and to monitor official flood updates closely.
The latest warning comes amid growing concerns over seasonal flooding across several parts of the country, particularly riverine and coastal communities in the Niger Delta.
