The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to proactive flood management, food security, and sustainable economic diversification at the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) today in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal described the event as a significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to strengthen national resilience against flooding and climate-related disasters.
The President noted that flood management remains a critical national challenge, and highlighted that his administration has implemented key policy frameworks and programmes, including nationwide flood control projects, with special focus on high-risk states such as Adamawa, Benue, Kogi, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta.
He further emphasized the government’s shift from reactive to proactive disaster management, particularly following the 2024 flood incident in Maiduguri. According to him, the establishment of an Anticipatory Action framework, championed by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, has strengthened early warning systems, preparedness, and response strategies.
The President emphasized that the Annual Flood Outlook,remains a critical tool for planning early action, mitigation, and evacuation strategies across all states and communities. He commended the timely release of the 2026 outlook ahead of the rainy season.
Reiterating the administration’s economic diversification agenda, the President called on the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to develop actionable strategies for harnessing Nigeria’s vast water resources to drive economic growth. He stressed that effective management of water resources can support agriculture, enhance food security, and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.
The President urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, state authorities, and local communities, to work collectively toward building a flood-resilient nation. He emphasized the need to protect the environment, strengthen agricultural productivity, and support vulnerable populations against the impacts of climate change.
He concluded by calling for national unity in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and natural resources, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to making Nigeria a flood-safe and food-secure nation.
Speaking during the occasion, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE highlighted water as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic .He noted that the outlook underscores the country’s shift toward a water-based economy and warned that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has identified 14,118 communities across 266 Local Government Areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as high flood risk zones ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
The report, themed “Smart Water Resources Management – Moving from Oil to Water-Based Economy,” lists states including Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT as areas at high risk of flooding.
Prof Utsev further disclosed that 15,597 communities in 405 LGAs across 35 states fall under moderate flood risk, while 923 communities in 77 LGAs across 24 states are projected to experience minimal flooding.
He also raised concerns about urban flooding in major cities and coastal flooding in riverine states, while announcing improved forecasting systems, enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and expanded early warning mechanisms.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, described the AFO as a vital tool for flood risk management and climate resilience. He highlighted new innovations, including AI-integrated modelling, a Flood Risk Intelligence system, and a real-time dashboard with a mobile app to improve access to flood alerts.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, DG/CEO, Nigerian Meteorology Agency, (NiMet) Prof. Charles Anosike, DG National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna, DR. Abduljalal Dambaba, and Representative of World Meteorological Organization, Dr. Roland Aba.
The event brought together Experts, Policy makers, Development Partners, Senior Government Officials and key stakeholders, reinforcing the need for coordinated action to strengthen national preparedness and build a flood-resilient Nigeria.
The key highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the 2026 Annual Outlook (AFO) documents by the representative of the President, Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal and other dignitaries present at the event including the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE.
Agbajor, Matthew
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15/04/2026
