President Tinubu to Launch 2026 Annual Flood Outlook

President Bola Tinubu is expected to officially unveil the **2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO)** today, an event organized by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The report is a critical tool for disaster preparedness, providing specific predictions on flood-prone areas across the country based on hydrological and meteorological data.

Preliminary leaks from the report suggest that several states, particularly those along the Niger and Benue rivers, are at risk of "above-normal" flooding this year. High-risk zones include parts of Lagos, Kogi, Anambra, and Delta. The NIHSA has attributed the intensifying rainfall patterns to climate change, noting that December 2025 through February 2026 saw unusual precipitation in multiple ecological zones.

The 2026 AFO launch is part of a broader government strategy to move from reactive disaster management to proactive mitigation. By providing early warnings, the government hopes to minimize the loss of life and property that has characterized previous flood seasons. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has already begun coordinating with state governments to clear drainages and prepare evacuation centers.

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