The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned
of severe flooding in 27 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) between
July 22 and August 5.
In a statement on Tuesday, Umar Mohammad, NIHSA
director-general (DG), said the alert followed the agency’s latest forecast,
which aligns with its 2025 annual flood outlook (AFO) released in April.
Mohammad said the agency envisaged flooding in more than 739
communities across 162 LGAs.
He said the states on the watchlist include Adamawa, Akwa
Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo,
the FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun,
Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
The NIHSA DG warned that key cities like Lagos and Abuja
could be affected, noting that over 100 major transport routes, including the
Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Road, Birnin Kebbi-Bunza Road, and Ibi-Wukari Road are at
risk.
“There is also an increased risk of property damage to
homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in low-lying and flood-prone
areas,” the statement reads.
Mohammad noted that farmlands could be submerged,
potentially impacting food production and security in the country.
He called on emergency management agencies and state
governments to activate their response plans and urged residents in vulnerable
areas to prepare for possible evacuation.
The agency advised Nigerians to stay informed through
NIHSA’s flood dashboard at www.nihsa.gov.ng and its social media platforms.
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Why issue flood alerts and warnings with no corresponding proactive action from appropriate Government agencies. All the canals on the Lekki axis are overgrown with weeds blocking the free flow of water. Lagos State Ministry of Environment should immediately deploy the excavators and dredgers to clear the canals. Flood alerts mean nothing without corresponding action. The canal from Ajiran to Chevron says it all.
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