By John Umeh
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued an urgent public warning after detecting severe and potentially deadly water contamination in Lagos, Kogi, and Kebbi States. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the agency’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, during a press briefing at NiHSA headquarters in Abuja.
Mohammed explained that the discovery followed a series of post-flood water quality assessments, which revealed alarming levels of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and harmful microbial pollutants across the affected states. He warned that these contaminants significantly increase the risk of cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and other waterborne diseases.
Why NiHSA Sounded the Alarm
The DG noted that before every rainy season, NiHSA publishes its Annual Flood Outlook, identifying high-risk areas to help government agencies plan and manage dams, floods, and emergency responses. In addition, the agency conducts consistent water quality monitoring to protect public health.
“Flooding often contaminates rivers, streams, boreholes, and wells,” Mohammed said. “Through our recent analysis, we found heavy metals, microbial pollutants, and physical contaminants. We immediately alerted the relevant authorities.”
He added that NiHSA also prepares a Drought Outlook, which helps identify regions likely to face water shortages, declining river levels, and rainfall deficits—a tool especially important for farmers and water managers.
Following major flood events, the agency carries out Flood Assessment and Validation exercises to confirm damage levels and strengthen forecasting accuracy.
State-by-State Breakdown of Contamination
Lagos State
NiHSA reported “dangerously high levels” of:
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Nitrite
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Fluoride
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Lead
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Cadmium
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Severe microbial contamination in groundwater
The contamination is linked to industrial waste discharge, sewage leakage, waste dumpsite leaching, and corroding old pipes. According to NiHSA:
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Lead can cause neurological damage
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Cadmium can lead to kidney failure
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Nitrites can trigger blue-baby syndrome
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Fluoride at high levels can cause bone and dental deformities
Floodwater intrusion and damaged drainage systems further worsen the situation.
Kogi State
Water tests revealed:
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Excessively high lead concentrations ranging from 12.0 mg/L to 0.56 mg/L
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Microbial contamination with E. coli, Streptococcus, and Salmonella
These conditions pose serious risks of poisoning, cognitive impairment, and widespread waterborne infections.
Kebbi State
Several local government areas were found to have:
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Extremely high arsenic levels, between 0.75 mg/L and 4 mg/L
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Significant microbial contamination
Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause arsenicosis, liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and severe gastrointestinal infections.
NiHSA Calls for Urgent Joint Action
The DG urged state governments, health agencies, emergency services, and environmental regulators to take immediate coordinated action to:
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Reduce contamination
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Improve public awareness
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Ensure access to safe drinking water
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Strengthen surveillance and reporting systems
He emphasized that NiHSA’s role is to provide actionable, life-saving data that helps the country confront water-related emergencies proactively.
“Nigeria is a country battling drought in the North and flooding in the South,” he noted. “Our work is essential. We help the nation avoid preventable disasters.”
Mohammed also appealed to Nigerians to take NiHSA’s warnings seriously, follow safety guidelines, and support efforts aimed at improving community resilience and public safety.
