Flood alert: 30 states, FCT face high risk

The Nigerian government has issued a stark warning that a total of 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory are at high risk of experiencing severe flooding between April and November 2025.

This alert was announced by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, during the official presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, AFO, by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, on Thursday in Abuja.

The AFO, an annual report compiled by NIHSA to guide flood preparedness and response, indicated that another 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs fall into moderate flood-risk areas, underscoring the widespread threat posed by seasonal rainfall, rising sea levels, and poor urban infrastructure.

The report named 30 states alongside the FCT that could be seriously affected. These include:
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, and Zamfara.

Coastal states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo were identified as particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding, which could have significant implications on fishing activities, marine biodiversity, and transportation through riverine routes.

Minister Utsev pointed to urban flooding as a recurring challenge, particularly in densely populated cities where poor drainage systems, unplanned settlements, and blocked waterways exacerbate flood risks.

He warned that areas with inadequate stormwater infrastructure and indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels may witness severe flash floods following heavy rainfall episodes.

“Urban flooding is no longer confined to riverine communities. Cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano are increasingly affected due to a lack of proper flood mitigation structures,” he said.

While the statistics may appear grim, the minister emphasized that unlike earthquakes or droughts, floods are predictable and can be effectively managed if timely and adequate measures are taken. He called on state and local governments, traditional leaders, and community-based organisations to engage with the forecast and prepare accordingly.

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“Our flood predictions have become more localized, targeting specific communities. This enhances preparedness and response at the grassroots level. We must prioritize public awareness campaigns, early warning dissemination, and community mobilization,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, described the flood outlook as “a call to action.”

“This document is not merely statistical. Behind each number is a home, a farmer’s field, a school, or a clinic that could be lost. We must act fast and smart to protect lives and livelihoods,” he said.

In his presentation, Umar Mohammed, Director-General of NIHSA, noted that the 2025 AFO reflects a more advanced data-driven methodology, incorporating real-time satellite monitoring, climate models, and inter-agency collaboration.

“This year, we are going beyond just identifying LGAs—we are pinpointing exact communities at risk, thanks to improved mapping tools and remote sensing technology. We are also integrating projections on how floods will impact health care access, food security, and infrastructure,” Mohammed added.

The government urged all stakeholders—including environmental agencies, emergency management authorities, civil society groups, and the private sector—to take ownership of flood preparedness and develop response plans tailored to their localities.

The 2025 AFO serves not only as a technical report but also as a roadmap for reducing the devastating impact of floods on lives, livelihoods, and the economy. As the rains approach, the government is calling on Nigerians to stay informed, act responsibly, and work together to prevent avoidable disasters.

NAN