THE Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk across 17 states between July 21 and July 27.
The agency said the alert was triggered by rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, which have increased the possibility of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
Read also: Hunters Kill Two Suspected Bandits, Recover ₦10m Ransom In Kano Forest
NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.
According to Mohammed, the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
He said, “River levels at Saminaka on the Karam River, Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.”
The NIHSA boss explained that 16 gauging stations across the country were recording elevated river levels, placing communities located near waterways and flood-prone areas at risk of possible flooding.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of vulnerable communities to immediately take precautionary measures to reduce the impact of any potential flooding.
NIHSA identified Bauchi State as having the highest exposure risk, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets listed as vulnerable to flooding.
Read also: ‘I Was Not Consulted’, Popular Musician Rejects Appointment To Kano Governor’s Campaign Council
The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities and community leaders to activate emergency response plans ahead of possible flooding.
He recommended the relocation of residents, livestock and valuable property from floodplains and other high-risk locations to safer areas.
The NIHSA director-general also advised emergency response agencies to pre-position essential supplies, including food, medical materials and water treatment resources, in communities likely to be affected.
He stressed the importance of community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication networks to ensure that flood alerts reach residents promptly.
Mohammed cautioned members of the public against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving waterways, warning that such actions could expose them to danger.
Read also: Sokoto Road Stabbing: Kano Court Remands Man Over Alleged Murder, Injuries
He further urged relevant authorities to clear blocked drainage channels, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and minimise the risk of flooding.
The agency advised residents and emergency organisations to continue monitoring daily flood updates and advisories released by NIHSA as the situation develops.
