Cynthia Ezegwu
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has raised an alarm over rising water levels along the River Niger and River Benue, warning of potential flooding in Kogi, Anambra, and Delta states.
The agency also listed Benue, Adamawa, Niger, and Bayelsa states among areas at risk, citing recent hydrological data and flood monitoring reports.
NiHSA’s Director General, Umar Muhammed, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, urging residents of flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and adhere to official safety advisories.
“At the moment, our hydrological monitoring shows high water levels along parts of the Niger and Benue Rivers, with the possibility of localized flooding in Kogi, Anambra, and Delta states,” Muhammed said.
He added that recent assessments revealed contamination in shallow wells in some flooded areas, warning that floodwater intrusion could compromise water safety.
Muhammed called for stronger collaboration among federal and state authorities, humanitarian agencies, and local communities to provide clean drinking water to affected areas.
The DG also announced that NiHSA is developing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan to strengthen its operations through innovation, regional empowerment, and stakeholder engagement.
He noted that the agency has upgraded its early warning systems with real-time data collection, satellite imagery, and digital modelling to improve the accuracy of flood forecasts.
“NiHSA maintains a wide network of hydrological and groundwater monitoring stations across the country. These provide real-time information for planning, forecasting, and decision-making,” he explained.
Muhammed reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to a proactive, data-driven approach aimed at protecting lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods from the impact of flooding and climate change.
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Also speaking, NiHSA’s Technical Adviser, Stephen Jabo, cautioned that Benue, Adamawa, Niger, and Bayelsa states remain highly vulnerable to riverine flooding despite the rainy season winding down in most parts of the country.
He advised residents of riverbank communities to stay alert, relocate to higher ground, and utilize designated flood camps when necessary.
“What states can do for those communities located along the riverbanks of Rivers Niger and Benue is to sensitise them to remain on high alert, move to higher ground, and be aware of the locations of designated flood camps,” Jabo said.
He also warned against walking or swimming through floodwaters and urged state governments to clear drainage channels to reduce flood impact.