River Don Hear “Last Warning”: NIHSA Warns 15 States As Flood Risk Rises From September 19–25

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) don raise serious alarm over high risk of riverine flooding across 15 states between September 19 and 25, 2026. The affected states include Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia. According to the advisory, rising river levels fit cause flooding especially for communities wey dey around floodplains.

River Levels Don Rise, Communities Need Prepare Before Water Collect VIP Seat

NIHSA talk say nine river stations require close monitoring, with Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along Cross River among the locations highlighted. The agency advise state governments, local authorities, emergency agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to take precautionary action instead of waiting until flood don enter house before everybody begin hold emergency meeting.

For Cross River alone, the assessment reportedly puts 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland within flood-risk areas. In other words, the matter no be only about whether person slippers go float away—the warning touches homes, public facilities, businesses and livelihoods.

Rivers Rising, Warning Issued: Why Waiting for Disaster Could Be Dangerous

The agency urge people living in vulnerable communities to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer, higher ground where necessary. Residents are also advised not to attempt crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, whether on foot or inside vehicles. Because when water dey move with confidence, arguing with am no be bravery.

Authorities and communities have also been encouraged to prepare relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies, first-aid materials and temporary shelters. NIHSA further advised people to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so, while avoiding construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.

As the September 19–25 warning window continues, NIHSA says it will keep monitoring river levels and hydrological conditions and issue further updates when necessary. The message be simple: flood warning no be invitation to wait and see wetin go happen. Residents and authorities for affected areas should take official alerts seriously and prepare early. Make una watch OGM News Pidgin for future updates as the river-level drama continues.