The Nigeria Integrated Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has issued a stern warning, revealing that 148 local government areas (LGAs) spanning 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are positioned within high-risk flood zones.
The alarming revelation was made during a presentation held in Abuja by the Minister of Water Resources, Prof Joseph Utsev, who unveiled critical insights from the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) crafted by the NIHSA.
The report identifies several states designated as high flood-risk areas, including Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
According to the forecast, moderate-impact floods are expected across 63 LGAs during April, May, and June, expanding to 221 LGAs from July through September. Furthermore, 100 LGAs are projected to be affected in October and November of 2024.
“Urban areas nationwide are anticipated to face flash and urban flooding, with cities like Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Abuja, Asaba, Benin, Birnin-Kebbi, Calabar, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Nguru, Onitsha, Osogbo, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri, and Yola among those at risk.
“Coastal regions in Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo are particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding due to rising sea levels and tidal surges, impacting fishing, wildlife habitats, and river navigation,” Utsev said.
The minister emphasized the situation’s urgency, informing state governors about the impending flooding in their respective regions.
He dispatched letters and Annual Flood Outlook publications, with maps detailing the affected LGAs and projected flood levels.
Calling for swift action, Utsev urged governors to address the threat effectively to prevent chaos.
He appealed to all Nigerians to support NIHSA’s awareness campaigns by maintaining clean environments, waterways, and flood paths and implementing proper waste management practices.
