The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that flooding affected 673,350 people across 134 local government areas in 28 states as of October 20, 2026. The agency said 245 people died, while 214,997 others were displaced by the floods.
NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar disclosed the figures at the National Emergency Coordination Forum held at Ajuji Greenwich Hotel in Abuja. She was represented at the meeting by the Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Godwin Topikor.
Umar said the scale of the flooding highlighted the need to review ongoing interventions, identify gaps in emergency response and strengthen cooperation among relevant stakeholders. The forum brought together government agencies, security institutions, humanitarian organisations and development partners to assess disaster risks and improve preparedness.
The NEMA chief also called for increased surveillance, timely information sharing and coordinated efforts to address public health threats in affected communities. She warned that displacement, poor sanitation and limited access to essential services could increase health risks for vulnerable populations.
With the anticipated 2026/2027 El Niño phenomenon, Umar urged relevant institutions to harmonise climate forecasts, assess potential risks and translate early warnings into practical measures. She said these steps were necessary to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
Participants at the forum reviewed the flood situation, cholera updates, climate outlooks and the possible effects of El Niño on water levels and other hydrological conditions. They also discussed preparedness in areas including food security, healthcare, education, sanitation, nutrition, emergency shelter and security.
Umar urged participating institutions to strengthen operational collaboration, avoid duplication of efforts and prioritise vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons and people with disabilities. She stressed that effective disaster management required early warning, preparedness, timely response, risk reduction and sustainable recovery.
