Rising water levels along Niger and Benue Rivers trigger warnings
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a fresh alert warning residents of several states about the possibility of serious flooding as water levels continue to rise along the Niger and Benue Rivers.
The Director General of NIHSA, Engr. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja. He called on residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, pay attention to official advisories, and consider relocating to higher grounds where necessary.
States at risk of flooding
According to the NIHSA boss, hydrological data collected over the past weeks indicates high water levels in parts of Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Niger, Benue, and Adamawa States.
“Our hydrological monitoring shows high water levels along parts of the Niger and Benue Rivers, with the possibility of localized flooding in Kogi, Anambra, Delta, and other downstream communities. We advise residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and to follow official advisories,” Mohammed said.
He stressed that the alert is not meant to cause panic but to enable early preparation and help communities take necessary action to protect lives and property.
Importance of early warning systems
Mohammed explained that early warning and timely relocation remain the most effective ways to minimize the impact of flooding. NIHSA’s mandate, he added, is to monitor and manage Nigeria’s surface and groundwater resources, providing critical information for government agencies, communities, and private sector stakeholders.
He noted that the agency’s work cuts across multiple sectors, including agriculture, energy, dam operations, and environmental management. Every data point collected, he said, helps strengthen Nigeria’s climate resilience and preparedness for natural disasters.
Upgraded technology for accurate forecasting
The NIHSA Director General revealed that the agency has significantly expanded its real-time data collection capacity in recent years. This includes the use of satellite imagery, digital modeling, and ground measurements to improve the accuracy of flood forecasts.
He explained that the NIHSA Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) is one of the agency’s key tools for providing detailed flood scenario forecasts across Nigeria. The AFO allows states and communities to take proactive steps, while sensitization campaigns help improve public awareness.
“Our upgraded early warning systems allow us to issue alerts faster and with more precision. This means communities can act before the floodwaters arrive,” he said.
Contamination of water sources raises health concerns
Mohammed also disclosed that recent water quality assessments during flood evaluations showed contamination in some shallow wells due to floodwater intrusion.
He called for stronger collaboration between relevant ministries, humanitarian partners, and local authorities to ensure communities have access to safe drinking water during and after flooding. Contaminated water sources, he warned, increase the risk of cholera outbreaks and other waterborne diseases, especially among children and vulnerable groups.
Strengthening partnerships to combat climate impacts
Looking ahead, Mohammed announced that NIHSA is developing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan to strengthen flood response and preparedness nationwide. The plan focuses on technological innovation, stronger regional offices, and increased stakeholder engagement.
The agency is also partnering with institutions such as NIMET, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Water Resources Institute, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and UNESCO to enhance its capacity and improve coordination.
“Flooding and other climate-related disasters are growing in frequency and severity. We must work together — government, communities, and development partners — to ensure no Nigerian suffers loss due to lack of information or warning,” Mohammed stated.
Flooding remains a recurring challenge in Nigeria
Flooding has remained one of Nigeria’s most devastating natural disasters, often resulting in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and destruction of farmlands and infrastructure.
In 2022, severe flooding affected over 33 states, claiming more than 600 lives and displacing more than 2.5 million people. Experts have warned that climate change and unregulated urban development continue to exacerbate the problem.
This year, the rising water levels along the Niger and Benue Rivers are raising fresh concerns, particularly in low-lying communities where residents are more vulnerable.
Call for community participation and vigilance
NIHSA urged state governments and local authorities to activate their emergency response mechanisms and ensure that evacuation plans are in place.
Residents have also been advised to heed relocation warnings early, avoid building on floodplains, and stay informed through radio, television, and official government communication channels.
“The warning is clear,” Mohammed emphasized. “Floods can be prevented from becoming disasters when we act on time. Information saves lives.”
