The Federal Government has warned residents in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of possible flooding between August 27 and September 9, 2026.
The warning affects 915 communities classified as being at critical risk of flooding.
The government urged residents in the affected communities to prepare for possible emergencies and evacuation.
The warning was issued through the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre.
The centre also identified 429 communities in seven states as being at high risk, while 656 communities across 13 states were placed under moderate flood-risk watch.
The 19 states listed under the critical-risk category are Kogi, Benue, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo.
Major cities and communities that could be affected include Lokoja, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Asaba, Calabar, Yenagoa, Uyo, Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri, Lagos, Abeokuta, Akure, Osogbo and Ibadan.
The government attributed the expected flood risk to several factors, including high soil moisture, continued rainfall, rapid surface runoff, pressure on drainage systems and rising river levels.
In an advisory issued by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, residents in critically affected communities were advised to start making preparations immediately.
They were also asked to identify and confirm the safest routes to use if evacuation becomes necessary.
The government’s warning is aimed at helping residents and relevant authorities take early measures to reduce the possible impact of flooding during the period.
