FG Issues Fresh Flood Alert for 30 States, FCT, Warns Residents in High-Risk Communities

The Federal Government has issued a fresh flood alert for 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning residents in vulnerable communities to prepare for possible flooding following forecasts of heavy rainfall.

The warning, contained in a Flood Prediction Advisory issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, covers the period between June 22 and July 5, 2026.

The advisory, signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, identified communities across Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory, among others, as being at varying levels of flood risk.

According to the ministry, low-lying urban centres, coastal communities, riverine settlements and areas with poor drainage systems are particularly vulnerable to flooding during the forecast period.

Major cities placed on alert include Aba, Umuahia, Uyo, Awka, Onitsha, Yenagoa, Makurdi, Calabar, Asaba, Abakaliki, Benin City, Ado-Ekiti, Enugu, Owerri, Lokoja, Ilorin, Lagos, Minna, Abeokuta, Akure, Osogbo, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Jos, Jalingo and Abuja.

The advisory placed parts of Adamawa under a special high-risk category, warning that communities such as Yola North, Yola South, Numan, Mubi, Song, Shelleng, Karewa, Jambutu, Ngurore, Ribadu, Yolde Pate and Wuro Hausa could experience severe flooding.

In Lagos, residents of flood-prone areas including Agege, Alimosho, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lekki, Ojo and Surulere were advised to remain vigilant throughout the period.

The ministry attributed the increased flood threat to expected heavy rainfall that could trigger overflowing rivers, flash floods and widespread waterlogging.

It advised residents of communities classified as critical risk areas to closely monitor water levels, identify safe evacuation routes, protect children, the elderly and other vulnerable persons, and avoid activities within floodplains and drainage channels.

Communities in high-risk areas were also urged to clear blocked drains and culverts, monitor nearby rivers and streams, and strengthen community-based reporting to facilitate rapid emergency response.

The Federal Government further called on state governments, local government authorities and emergency management agencies to activate contingency plans, intensify public awareness campaigns and implement measures aimed at reducing the impact of the anticipated flooding.