The Nigerian government has issued a flood alert for 14 states across the country, warning residents to prepare for possible flooding as the rainy season intensifies.
The warning was contained in an advisory released on Wednesday by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which said the affected states face a medium flood risk between Wednesday and next Monday.
According to the agency, the states at risk include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger and Plateau.
NIHSA also warned of possible localized flooding along major river channels, revealing that 16 monitoring stationshave been classified as high-risk locations.
The agency noted that several local government areas and communities—including schools, health facilities and markets—could be impacted if residents and authorities fail to take necessary precautionary measures.
Among the most vulnerable locations identified are Saminaka along the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River.
According to NIHSA, the advisory is aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response planning and flood risk reduction efforts by federal, state and local authorities.
The agency urged residents living in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas where necessary, clear blocked drainage systems and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads.
Nigeria experiences devastating floods almost every rainy season, with the season typically beginning in March and becoming more intense from mid-May, particularly across northern parts of the country.
Experts have attributed the worsening flooding to the effects of climate change, which has led to increasingly unpredictable and heavier rainfall. They say the intense downpours continue to overwhelm drainage infrastructure and reduce the land's ability to absorb water in many parts of Africa's most populous nation.
Authorities have advised residents in the affected states to remain vigilant, monitor official weather updates and comply with emergency directives to minimise the risk of loss of lives and property.