The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high alert for potential flooding in Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, and several other states, warning residents in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and follow official advisories.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of NiHSA, Arc Umar Mohammed, said the latest alerts are based on satellite imagery, digital modelling, and on-ground measurements, which show rising water levels along parts of the Niger and Benue Rivers.
“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,” Mohammed said. “We advise residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and to follow official advisories.”
The agency’s data indicates that flood activities from major rivers have already contaminated some sources of drinking water in affected regions. Mohammed said NiHSA’s recent water quality assessments found that floodwater intrusion had polluted several shallow wells.
He called for stronger collaboration among government ministries, humanitarian organizations, and local authorities to ensure access to safe drinking water for affected communities.
Despite the warnings, the NiHSA chief noted that flooding in 2025 has not been as severe as that of 2024, although close monitoring continues as rainfall persists across the southern regions.
Mohammed highlighted efforts to make NiHSA more data-driven and technology-based, explaining that the agency has expanded real-time data collection, improved early warning systems, and now uses Artificial Intelligence to enhance flood prediction and emergency response.
“Every year, we forecast the likely flood scenarios across all states, indicating where, when, and how severe flooding may be,” he said, referring to the agency’s Annual Flood Outlook, one of its key public safety tools.
He added that NiHSA collaborates with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Water Resources Institute, as well as international partners such as the World Meteorological Organization, UNESCO, and ECOWAS.
According to him, NiHSA’s predictions have been rated accurate by international organizations, with several African countries, including Ghana and Liberia, seeking assistance to establish similar agencies.
Mohammed also announced that NiHSA is developing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan to guide its future operations, focusing on innovation, regional empowerment, and stronger stakeholder engagement.
He said these efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at promoting innovation, accountability, and resilience in public service.
“As floods, droughts, and other climate-related challenges increase, our role becomes even more important,” Mohammed said. “We remain committed to providing accurate and timely hydrological information that protects lives, supports development, and ensures a safer, more resilient Nigeria.”