FG alerts Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, 22 other states, over imminent flood risk

The Federal Government has warned residents in 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of possible flooding between September 27 and October 10, 2026, following forecasts of heavy rainfall, rising river levels and saturated soil.

The warning was contained in an advisory by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, and signed by its director, Usman Abdullahi Bokani. Vanguard that communities were classified as critical, high or moderate-risk areas.

States with critical-risk communities include Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo.

The Centre urged residents in affected areas to monitor flood conditions, identify evacuation routes and protect vulnerable persons and essential property.

It also advised residents to avoid floodplains, wetlands, riverbanks and low-lying drainage corridors, while directing emergency agencies to intensify monitoring of waterways and drainage systems.