The Federal Government has disclosed that no fewer than 226 Local Government Areas across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory fall within high flood risk zones for 2026.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, made this known on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

The event was held at the State Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Providing further details, the minister revealed that thousands of communities are directly exposed to severe flooding.

“Fourteen thousand, one hundred and eighteen communities in 266 local government areas in 33 States and the FCT fall within the high flood risk areas,” he said.

He listed the affected states to include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.

405 LGAs Fall Under Moderate Risk
The outlook also indicated that 405 LGAs across 35 states fall within the moderate flood risk category, with Ekiti State being the only exception.

This suggests that a significant portion of the country remains vulnerable to varying degrees of flooding during the year.

Minimal Flooding Expected In 77 LGAs
In addition, the government projected minimal flood incidents in some areas.

“Low Flood Risk: Incidences of minimal flood are expected in 923 communities in 77 LGAs in 24 States,” Utsev stated.

The states listed under this category include Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.

The minister further disclosed that the 2026 flood outlook introduces a new community-based flood forecasting system.

According to him, this approach will ensure that flood predictions are tailored to specific communities, enabling quicker response and targeted interventions.

Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency response systems and promoting sustainable development.

Represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, the President said the government had carefully assessed existing challenges and recognised the critical role of rescue teams in mitigating disasters.

Tinubu noted that efforts were ongoing to improve the capacity and strategic direction of relevant ministries to ensure faster and more effective responses to emergencies.

He also stressed the importance of coordination, planning, and service delivery in building a sustainable future.

According to him, effective communication remains key to fostering collaboration, raising public awareness, and ensuring prompt response to emerging threats.

The President expressed optimism that improved planning and communication would help the country overcome current challenges and deliver better outcomes for citizens.

The event, themed ‘Smart Water Resources Management: Moving From Oil To A Water-Based Economy’, attracted ministers, government officials, and key stakeholders in the water and environmental sectors.