Dare Babalola
The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a fresh flood prediction alert warning that several locations across Nigeria are likely to experience heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding between April 13 and April 17, 2026.
The alert was released by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, through the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja.
According to the statement, the warning is part of ongoing early response measures aimed at mitigating the impact of seasonal flooding across vulnerable parts of the country.
The notification, issued from the Ministry’s National Flood Early Warning Centre located at Plot 444 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, identified communities across multiple states as high-risk areas during the forecast period.
It stated, “The following locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period of prediction: 13th–17th April, 2026.”
The Ministry listed affected areas across several states, urging residents and relevant authorities to remain vigilant.
In Adamawa State, the affected areas include Ganye and Gbajili.
In Enugu State, Nsukka was identified as a high-risk zone.
For Kaduna State, communities such as Buruku, Kachia, Kaduna, and Kafanchan were listed.
In Kogi State, Ibaji was highlighted, while in Kwara State, Bode-Sadu and Ilorin were mentioned.
The alert also covered parts of Niger State, including Chanchaga, Minna, and Sarkin Pawa.
In the southwest, several communities in Osun State were identified, including Ilesa, Iragbiji, Osogbo, and Otan Ayegbaju.
For Oyo State, the warning covered multiple locations in Ibadan such as Apata, Bodija, Challenge, Eleyele, Moniya, Odo Ona, Ojoo, as well as Oyo town.
Other areas listed include Bukuru in Plateau State and Serti in Taraba State.
The Ministry urged state governments, emergency management agencies, and community leaders to take proactive measures to reduce potential damage, including improved drainage management, public sensitisation, and emergency preparedness.
It added that feedback and coordination from state representatives and relevant stakeholders on the warning platform would be highly appreciated to enhance response planning.
The statement concluded that the early warning system remains a key component of Nigeria’s flood risk reduction strategy, especially as rainfall patterns intensify during the season.
Residents in the affected areas have also been advised to remain alert and adhere to safety advisories from relevant authorities.
