Federal Government Warns of Heavy Rains and Floods in 30 States and FCT
The Federal Government has issued a warning of significant rainfall and potential flooding in 30 states across Nigeria, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
This prediction was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, during the unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja.
The states identified as being at high risk of flooding 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, in addition to the FCT.
Coastal and Riverine Flooding Expected
Minister Utsev highlighted the likelihood of coastal and riverine flooding in parts of the South-South region due to rising sea levels.
Specifically, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers are expected to experience coastal flooding, while Akwa-Ibom and Edo fall under the high-flood risk states.
Flooding remains one of the most devastating natural disasters in Nigeria, exacerbated by climate change, which has increased its frequency and severity.
According to the minister, 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 30 states and the FCT are in high-risk flood zones this year.
Community-Based Flood Forecasting Approach
To improve early warning and response systems, this year’s AFO introduced a community-based flood forecasting approach.
Forecasts are now tailored to specific communities, enhancing actionable communication and preparedness at the grassroots level.
Key high-risk areas include Abia, Benue, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Jigawa, among others. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs face moderate flood risks.
State Responses to Flood Warnings
State governments have begun implementing preventive measures, including public awareness campaigns, dredging water channels, and relocating vulnerable communities from riverbanks and floodplains.
For example, Anambra State has cleared blocked drainage systems, while Kwara State has started expanding the Asa River to mitigate flooding.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, urged stakeholders to prioritize early response, emphasizing that the outlook is about protecting lives and livelihoods.
The Director General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, noted that this year’s flood forecast goes beyond mapping LGAs and now identifies specific communities at risk.
The agency’s focus has expanded to assess sectoral impacts on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The Federal Government’s warning of heavy rains and floods in 30 states and the FCT highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding. With the introduction of a community-based flood forecasting approach, stakeholders can work together to protect lives and livelihoods.
