The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Sunday, 6 July 2026, issued a nationwide NiMet flood warning, alerting residents in Lagos, Ogun and 25 other states to an increased risk of flash flooding as Nigeria enters the peak of the rainy season.
NiMet said the alert covers the first dekad of July, from 1 to 10 July 2026, warning that widespread rainfall during this period could trigger flooding across 27 states due to already saturated soils following heavy rains recorded in June.
Also read: LASEMA yet to announce flood relief for Lagos victims
The agency explained that persistent rainfall has significantly reduced the ground’s ability to absorb additional precipitation, heightening the likelihood of surface runoff and flash floods, particularly in low-lying, urban and poorly drained areas.
“Following widespread rainfall recorded across many parts of Nigeria in June, soils have become heavily saturated, reducing their ability to absorb additional rainfall,” NiMet stated. “As July marks the beginning of the peak rainy season, the risk of flash flooding is expected to increase.”
States listed under the advisory include Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Borno.
NiMet cautioned that the expected heavy rainfall could disrupt transport systems, damage infrastructure and affect public utilities, agriculture and health services across affected regions.
It warned that flash flooding could lead to traffic congestion, road closures and widespread travel disruptions, while also posing risks to aviation operations due to reduced visibility during intense rainfall.
The agency further noted that temporary power outages and telecommunications disruptions may occur in some areas, alongside potential crop damage caused by waterlogging of farmlands.
Health risks were also highlighted, with NiMet warning that stagnant floodwaters could increase the spread of waterborne diseases in vulnerable communities.
“Poor visibility during intense rainfall could pose risks to motorists and aviation operations,” the agency said, adding that infrastructure such as roads, bridges and drainage systems could also suffer damage.
To reduce the impact of the forecasted flooding, NiMet urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and take preventive steps, including keeping drainage channels clear, securing outdoor items and avoiding movement through floodwaters.
It also called on emergency management agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms ahead of potential flooding events.
“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” NiMet stated.
Also read: LASEMA yet to announce flood relief for Lagos victims
The warning comes as Nigeria continues to experience increasingly erratic and intense rainfall patterns, raising concerns over climate resilience and urban drainage capacity in major cities such as Lagos and Port Harcourt.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
