The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory for 17 states, warning of a medium flood risk between July 21 and July 27 due to rising water levels in major rivers across the country.
In its National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) released on Tuesday, the agency said the warning followed increased water levels at key river monitoring stations, raising the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, listed the affected states as Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to Mohammed, 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 gauging stations nationwide are recording elevated river levels that pose a flood risk to nearby communities.
The agency identified Bauchi State as the most vulnerable, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets exposed to potential flooding.
It also identified vulnerable communities and critical public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states as being at risk during the forecast period.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to immediately implement 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 authorities and community leaders to activate emergency response plans and strengthen preparedness efforts.
The NIHSA boss recommended the relocation of residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations, while urging emergency management agencies to pre-position food supplies, medical equipment and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.
He also emphasised the need for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure the timely dissemination of flood alerts.
Mohammed cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways, warning that such actions could endanger lives.
He further advised relevant authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding, while urging the public to monitor daily flood updates and advisories issued by NIHSA throughout the warning period.
