FG has warned that 1,402 communities across 28 states and the FCT could experience flooding between July 5 and July 18 due to expected heavy rainfall.
The Federal Government has issued another nationwide flood warning, alerting residents that at least 1,402 communities spread across 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) could experience varying degrees of flooding between July 5 and July 18, 2026.
The latest advisory comes as rainfall continues to intensify across several parts of the country, raising fears of flash floods, overflowing rivers and widespread damage to homes, businesses, roads and other public infrastructure.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable locations to remain vigilant and begin taking precautionary measures ahead of the forecast period.
According to the Federal Ministry of Environment, the advisory was released through the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre after an extensive assessment of weather conditions and flood-risk indicators.
Officials explained that the prediction is based on hydrometeorological observations, rainfall forecasts, river flow analysis and vulnerability assessments carried out in flood-prone communities nationwide.
The ministry disclosed that 987 communities across 21 states have been identified as areas facing severe flood risk.
In addition, another 415 communities located in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory have been placed on a high-risk watch list because of the likelihood of flooding if rainfall becomes heavier than projected.
States classified under the critical flood-risk category include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Rivers.
Several major cities are also expected to witness heightened flood threats during the forecast period.
They include Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Calabar, Warri, Aba, Umuahia, Owerri, Enugu, Makurdi, Lokoja, Asaba, Uyo, Yenagoa, Akure, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osogbo, Awka and Onitsha.
The advisory further highlighted Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Taraba as areas where hundreds of communities could equally experience significant flooding should rainfall become more intense over the coming days.
The ministry noted that the prediction is intended to provide early warning so that residents and emergency response agencies can act before floodwaters begin to rise.
It stressed that early preparedness remains one of the most effective ways to reduce casualties, property losses and disruptions to economic activities during the rainy season.
The advisory, signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, urged people living in flood-prone communities to take immediate steps to safeguard themselves and their families.
Residents were advised to identify safe evacuation locations ahead of any emergency, relocate children, elderly persons and other vulnerable individuals where necessary, and avoid building or remaining in floodplains, riverbanks and other low-lying areas susceptible to rising water levels.
The ministry also encouraged members of the public to stay informed through official weather and flood updates throughout the forecast period.
State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities, environmental officers and community flood focal persons have also been directed to strengthen surveillance around rivers, drainage channels, bridges, culverts, erosion sites and estuaries.
According to the ministry, closer monitoring of these locations will improve early detection of flooding and enable faster emergency response where necessary.
Communities placed on the high-risk watch list were specifically advised to clear blocked drainage systems, monitor nearby streams and waterways for unusual increases in water levels, promptly report flood-related incidents to relevant authorities and maintain regular communication with the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre.
The Federal Government further appealed to state governments, emergency responders and other stakeholders to submit timely field reports and flood observations.
Officials said continuous feedback from affected communities will help improve real-time monitoring and enhance the accuracy of future flood predictions.
The latest warning adds to a series of flood advisories issued by federal authorities since the beginning of the 2026 rainy season.
In previous years, flooding displaced thousands of residents, destroyed farmlands, damaged roads and bridges, disrupted businesses and claimed lives in several states.
With rainfall expected to remain active across many parts of Nigeria in the coming weeks, authorities say proactive measures by government agencies, community leaders and residents will be crucial in reducing the impact of possible flooding.
They urged Nigerians to take the advisory seriously, comply with safety instructions and report any signs of rising water levels before they escalate into emergencies.
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