Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister of Environment, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria during the formal launch of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on April 15, 2026, at the State House’s Banquet Hall in Abuja.
In delivering the President’s speech, the Minister emphasized that flooding remains a significant national issue affecting communities and agricultural productivity throughout Nigeria.
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He mentioned that the government has prioritized food security within its Eight-Point Agenda, allocating essential roles to key agencies, including the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, to mitigate flood risks and enhance agricultural results.
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The address outlined current government initiatives, particularly flood control projects in vulnerable states like Adamawa, Benue, Kogi, Bayelsa, and Rivers.
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It also reflected on the lessons learned from the severe flooding in Maiduguri in 2024, which led to a transition from a reactive to a proactive approach to flood management, focusing on anticipatory actions and improved disaster preparedness frameworks coordinated by the Office of the Vice President in partnership with relevant organizations.
Highlighting the significance of early warning systems, the Minister described the Annual Flood Outlook as an essential resource for preparing and implementing mitigation and response strategies across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He pointed out that the 2026 AFO offers impact-based forecasts to facilitate timely evacuations and risk reduction measures at both state and local government levels.
The President’s remarks also urged enhanced collaboration among government ministries, particularly those dealing with water resources and the blue economy, to maximize Nigeria’s extensive water resources for economic diversification and sustainable development.
The event reinforced the Federal Government’s dedication to fostering a flood-resilient nation, protecting livelihoods, and promoting environmental sustainability amid climate change challenges.
