FG will avoid repeat of 2024 flood disaster, Tinubu assures

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, said the Federal Government has established mechanisms to prevent the type of flooding that affected several communities across the country, in 2024

The President stated this at the presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) with the theme: Smart Water Resources Management-Moving from Oil to Water Based Economy, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Tinubu, who was represented by Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said lessons learnt from the 2024 flooding, especially the destructions that affected various communities, including Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has made Government to move from the traditional flood management system to a proactive management system of not only flood, but also of natural resources.

He said the Office of the Vice-President had been equipped to drive the Anticipatory Action for flood and other-related disasters management with the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Development Partners, MDAs and Stakeholders in the disaster risk sector.

The President expressed happiness that the Anticipatory Action Committee has been working tirelessly to ensure that our country does not experience a repeat of the 2024 Maiduguri flood incident.

He noted that the “Key to the Anticipatory Action is the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

The AFO has been the foundational document upon which the early actions, preparedness and mitigation strategies are mapped out and actioned.

“It is, therefore, commendable that this year’s Annual Flood Forecast is being presented today, and early enough before the rains and other climate variabilities set in.

“I am confident that the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) has provided the required impact-based information for all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and the 774 local government areas to activate preparedness, response and evacuation mechanisms against any flooding incident.”

But Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, however, said 14,118 communities in 266 Local Government Areas across 33 States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT face the risk of high flooding in 2026.

Speaking at the gathering under the auspices of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the Minister provided evidence-based predictions that he said should enable the government, stakeholders, agencies, state authorities, local governments and communities prepare ahead of the flood season, adding that “Early information saves lives, livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses.”