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 as water levels along the Niger and Benue Rivers continue to rise.
The Director General of NIHSA, Engr. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja, where he urged residents in flood-prone regions to remain alert and consider relocating to higher grounds in line with official directives from local authorities.
Mohammed stated that current hydrological data reveal rising water levels along both major rivers, heightening the risk of localised flooding in nearby areas.
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 relocation remain the most effective ways to prevent loss of lives and property. He explained that NIHSA, being the national body responsible for monitoring and managing surface and groundwater resources, produces essential data that assists the government, communities, and individuals in planning for safe and sustainable water usage.
He stated that the agency’s operations span several sectors, including agriculture, energy, dam management, and environmental protection, adding that every piece of data gathered helps safeguard lives and boost Nigeria’s resilience to climate change.
Mohammed noted that in recent years, the agency has expanded its real-time data collection systems, upgraded its early warning mechanisms, and improved the precision of its forecasts through satellite imagery, digital modelling, and on-site monitoring.
He pointed out that NIHSA’s Annual Flood Outlook remains one of its flagship reports, offering detailed forecasts of expected flood situations across different states, while awareness campaigns are conducted to help state governments and local communities prepare in advance.
He revealed that recent water quality assessments carried out during flood monitoring exercises indicated contamination in some shallow wells due to floodwater intrusion. He therefore called for stronger collaboration among relevant ministries, humanitarian organisations, and local authorities to ensure access to safe drinking water in affected communities.
Looking forward, the Director General disclosed that NIHSA is developing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan centred on innovation, regional capacity-building, and enhanced stakeholder participation. He added that the agency is reinforcing its zonal and field offices to make its services more accessible, while also leveraging technology and working closely with organisations such as NIMET, NEMA, the National Water Resources Institute, the World Meteorological Organisation, and UNESCO.
Mohammed reaffirmed NIHSA’s dedication to delivering accurate and timely hydrological data that protect lives, promote development, boost economic progress, and support a safer and more resilient Nigeria.
He emphasised that as floods, droughts, and other climate-related issues intensify, collective effort and proactive response are crucial to preventing unnecessary disasters and ensuring that no Nigerian suffers losses due to lack of information or warning.
