As the rainy season approaches, the Federal Government has raised alarm over imminent flooding expected to hit 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, warning that over 1,200 communities in 176 local government areas in 30 states are at high risk.
This alert was issued during the unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, called for urgent preparedness at all levels, highlighting the increasing threat posed by climate change.
According to the forecast, states including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to experience varying degrees of flooding.
Over 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas have been identified as high-risk flood zones. Additionally, 2,187 communities in 293 local government areas in all 36 states are categorized under moderate risk.
The projected flooding is attributed to a combination of factors including rising sea levels, tidal surges, prolonged and intense rainfall, poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and inadequate infrastructure maintenance. These could result in widespread displacement, destruction of homes and roads, disruption to agriculture and river navigation, loss of wildlife habitats, and public health emergencies.
States are already stepping up their response plans. In Anambra, authorities have cleared blocked drainages, carried out awareness campaigns in 10 flood-prone LGAs, and established IDP camps. Kwara State has begun expanding the Asa River and constructing embankments in vulnerable areas while launching public sensitisation campaigns.
In Ogun State, officials had earlier issued a flood alert and are currently dredging the Ogun River in collaboration with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority. Gombe has intensified the de-silting of storm drains and completed erosion control projects. Delta State is proactively clearing drains and launching awareness efforts ahead of the rainy season. Nasarawa has prepared temporary shelters and continues to sensitise residents. In Borno, a three-month flood prevention campaign is underway, led by a dedicated state committee. Bayelsa is focusing on clearing canals and water channels in Yenagoa to avert flash floods, while Bauchi continues infrastructure repairs and community awareness drives.
The Federal Government’s action plan includes a shift to community-specific forecasting, moving away from broad, generalized predictions of the past. This approach is designed to enable more precise and effective responses. The 2025 forecast also incorporates sectoral risk assessments, detailing expected impacts on agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure.
Authorities are enhancing collaboration among agencies, deploying real-time data, and improving forecasting technologies to bolster disaster preparedness and response across the country.
