The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, says flooding has claimed 245 lives and displaced more than 214,000 people across Nigeria as of October 20, 2026.
The agency disclosed that 673,350 people had been affected by flooding in 134 local government areas across 28 states.
NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, disclosed the figures at the National Emergency Coordination Forum held in Abuja.
Umar, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Godwin Topikor, said the scale of the disaster underscored the need for stronger coordination among emergency management agencies and other stakeholders.
She called for improved preparedness, timely information sharing and effective interventions to address the challenges facing flood-affected communities.
The NEMA boss also warned that displacement, poor sanitation and limited access to essential services could increase the risk of disease outbreaks among affected populations.
She stressed the need for heightened surveillance and coordinated public health interventions, particularly in communities already struggling with the impact of flooding.
On the anticipated 2026/2027 El Niño phenomenon, Umar urged relevant institutions to harmonise climate forecasts and translate early warning information into practical measures to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
She further called on government agencies, security institutions, humanitarian organisations and development partners to strengthen collaboration, avoid duplication of efforts and prioritise vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons and people with disabilities.
The forum reviewed Nigeria’s flood situation, cholera updates, climate forecasts and preparedness measures across critical sectors, including health, food security, education, water, sanitation, nutrition and emergency shelter.
NEMA reiterated the need for proactive disaster management, effective early warning systems and timely responses to minimise the impact of emergencies across the country.
