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The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a warning over possible flooding in parts of Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Niger, Benue, and Adamawa States following the continuous rise in water levels along the Niger and Benue Rivers.
The Director General of NIHSA, Engr. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, where he urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and relocate to higher grounds in line with official guidance from relevant authorities.
Mohammed explained that current hydrological data show elevated water levels along both major rivers, increasing the chances of localised flooding in nearby communities.
He said, “Our hydrological monitoring shows high water levels along parts of the Niger and Benue Rivers, with the possibility of localised flooding in Kogi, Anambra, Delta, and other downstream communities. We advise residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and to follow official advisories.”
The NIHSA Director General stressed that early warning and prompt evacuation remain the most effective ways to avoid loss of lives and property. He noted that NIHSA, as the national agency responsible for managing and monitoring surface and groundwater resources, produces essential data that help the government, communities, and individuals make informed decisions on water use and safety.
He said the agency’s responsibilities cut across different sectors such as agriculture, energy, dam operations, and environmental protection, adding that each data point collected contributes to saving lives and improving the nation’s resilience against the effects of climate change.
Mohammed further noted that NIHSA has in recent years expanded its capacity for real-time data collection, upgraded its early warning systems, and enhanced the accuracy of its forecasts through the use of satellite imagery, digital models, and field measurements.
He stated that NIHSA’s Annual Flood Outlook remains one of its most significant publications, offering detailed forecasts on potential flood situations across the country. He added that the agency also conducts awareness campaigns to help state governments and local communities prepare ahead of time.
He revealed that recent water quality checks carried out during flood assessments found contamination in some shallow wells as a result of floodwater infiltration. He therefore called for closer cooperation between relevant ministries, humanitarian bodies, and local authorities to ensure that affected communities have access to clean and safe drinking water.
Looking ahead, the Director General said the agency is currently developing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan focused on innovation, regional engagement, and stronger partnerships with key stakeholders. He added that NIHSA is also enhancing its zonal and field offices to ensure better service delivery, while strengthening collaborations with institutions such as NIMET, NEMA, the National Water Resources Institute, the World Meteorological Organisation, and UNESCO.
Mohammed reaffirmed NIHSA’s commitment to delivering accurate and timely hydrological information that will safeguard lives, support national development, encourage economic growth, and promote a more resilient and secure Nigeria.
He emphasised that with the growing impact of floods, droughts, and other climate-related challenges, collective action and early response remain vital in preventing avoidable disasters and ensuring that no Nigerian suffers unnecessary loss due to lack of information or early warning.
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