The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NiHSA, has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25.
The alert, designated NFA-2026-262, is based on forecasts of rising river levels and increased risk of riverine flooding across the affected areas.
The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
Mr Umar Mohammed, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, in a statement on Saturday said nine river stations were at risk and required close monitoring.
He listed Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River among the key locations identified in the assessment.
Mr Mohammed urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management authorities, traditional and community leaders to take immediate precautionary measures.
He also advised residents in flood-prone communities to move people, livestock and valuables to safer and higher ground where necessary.
According to the assessment, significant populations and critical infrastructure are exposed to flood risks across the affected areas.
In Cross River alone, 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland were identified within the exposure areas.
The NiHSA chief urged communities to activate local early-warning and response mechanisms and monitor the agency’s flood advisories and river-level updates.
He advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
He also urged relevant authorities and communities to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials.
Mohammed called for the identification and preparation of safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation.
He further advised residents to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it was safe to do so and avoid construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.
The DG/CEO said early action and adherence to official flood warnings were critical to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
NiHSA said it would continue to monitor hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary.