# Flood risks and emergency response in Nigeria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/flood-risks-in-nigeria
> Updated: 2026-09-21T17:07:06.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 3.

In early September 2026, the Ogun State Government issued a flood alert following a Nigeria Meteorological Agency forecast of intense rainfall. Officials warned that flooding could be caused by prolonged rain, tidal fluctuations, and water releases from the Oyan Dam, identifying several vulnerable coastal and riverine communities.

By mid-September, the scope of the threat expanded as the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states, including Lagos, Cross River, and Benue. The agency reported that rising river levels put numerous communities, schools, and health facilities at risk, particularly in Cross River, and urged authorities to pre-position relief materials.

On September 19, NiHSA forecasted potential riverine flooding between September 19 and 25 across 15 states, including Imo, Delta, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Bayelsa, Enugu, and Abia. In Cross River, the agency identified risks to 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centers, and 854 hectares of farmland. In Imo State, the alert covers 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets, and 198 religious buildings.

In response to these warnings, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has emphasized preparedness. In Benue State, NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar urged the state government to strengthen coordination due to regional vulnerabilities. NEMA conducted a full-scale flood response simulation exercise in Makurdi to evaluate the transition from early warning systems to community action. NEMA officials advised the public to avoid water currents, move to higher ground, and use protective gear such as raincoats during heavy rainfall.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: NEMA urges flood preparedness and safety during rainy season

Nigeria's NEMA has urged increased flood preparedness in Benue State and advised the public to prioritize safety and evacuation during the rainy season to mitigate risks from seasonal flooding.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nema-urges-flood-preparedness-and-safety-during-rainy-season

### 2026-09-19: NiHSA issues flood alert for 15 Nigerian states

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states from September 19 to 25, warning that rising river levels threaten thousands of communities, schools, and farms.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-hydrological-services-agency-issues-flood-alert-for-15-states

### 2026-09-01: Ogun State issues flood alert for upcoming rainy season

Ogun State has issued a flood alert for the upcoming September rainy season, advising residents in vulnerable coastal and riverine communities to relocate due to predicted heavy rainfall.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ogun-state-issues-flood-alert-for-upcoming-rainy-season

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Cite as: Flood risks and emergency response in Nigeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/flood-risks-in-nigeria