Nigerian govt alerts 148 LGAs to prepare against flood

The Federal Government of Nigeria has alerted no fewer than 148 local government areas (LGAs) within the country to prepare against flood and related disasters.

This is coming after the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) launched the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO).

The 148 LGAs are within 31 states of the federation, as noted in the report read out during the unveiling ceremony themed “Promoting the use of Data Analytics and Modeling for Flood Risk Assessments and Food Security.”

At the event held in Abuja this week, the minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, said the forecast was to enhance nationwide flood preparedness by providing early warning signs.

The areas include parts of Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, among others, that are susceptible to significant high flood impacts on population, agriculture, livelihoods, infrastructure, and the environment.

He asserted that the moderate impact level floods were projected in 249 LGAs in 36 States and FCT with specific timeframes in parts of 63 local government areas (LGAs) between April, May, and June; 221 LGAs face potential flooding in July, August, and September; while 100 LGAs are susceptible during October and November, 2024.

He further revealed that flash and urban flooding were expected to affect urban city centers nationwide, including Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Abuja, and Lagos, Asaba, Benin City, Birnin-Kebbi, and others.

The minister urged state governors to swiftly address the information in the 2024 AFO, emphasising the need for collaboration among policymakers, government departments, and agencies to mitigate flood risks.

The rainy season is expected to happen between April and November, 2024.