Nigeria Floods: NEMA Warns 30+ States to Act Now

Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency has warned more than 30 states to take urgent steps to prevent deadly flooding in 2026. The agency says heavy rains are expected to hit multiple regions within weeks.

NEMA issued the alert on Wednesday, asking state governments and local authorities to clear drains, relocate residents in flood-prone areas, and stock emergency supplies. The agency said delays could lead to loss of lives and destruction of property.

“We are urging all state governments to act immediately. Flooding is predictable. We can reduce the damage if we prepare now,” said a NEMA official in the statement released to the press.

The alert comes as Nigeria enters its main rainy season. In previous years, flooding has killed hundreds of people and displaced millions across the country. The 2022 floods were among the worst in Nigeria’s history, affecting 34 states and displacing over 1.4 million people.

NEMA said states most at risk include those along the River Niger and River Benue corridors. The agency named Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers as high-risk states. Northern states like Kebbi and Niger are also on alert.

The agency advised residents to avoid building near waterways and riverbanks. It also asked communities to report blocked drains to local authorities without delay. NEMA said its emergency response teams are on standby across the country.

The federal government has also directed the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission to work with dam operators to manage water release levels. Officials say this will help reduce the risk of flash floods in low-lying areas.

Environmental experts say Nigeria’s flood problem is made worse by poor urban planning, deforestation, and illegal dumping in drainage channels. Many cities, including Lagos and Ibadan, still lack proper drainage systems.

NEMA has urged Nigerians to follow updates from state emergency agencies and to evacuate any area declared unsafe by local authorities. The agency said it will continue to issue updates as the rainy season progresses.