Nigeria’s Hydrological Services Agency warns of widespread floods in 2026
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a warning about the risk of widespread flooding across the country in 2026. Over 14,000 communities are exposed to flood risks in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Floods expected to peak between July and September during the rainy season
The agency stated that flooding is anticipated to reach its peak between July and September, posing a threat to cities, farmland, and critical infrastructure.
High-risk areas include major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, as well as coastal states such as Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Lagos.
Flooding poses significant risks during Nigeria’s rainy season, which typically runs from April to October. In 2022, the worst floods in over a decade resulted in more than 600 deaths, 1.4 million people displaced, and 440,000 hectares of farmland destroyed. Last year alone saw over 200 fatalities due to flooding.