Federal Ministry of Environment has raised an urgent red alert over imminent flooding expected to hit 11 states between July 16 and July 20, sparking fresh concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness amid rising extreme weather conditions.
In a flood prediction notice signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the National Flood Early Warning Centre, the Ministry identified the at-risk states as Kano, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Cross River, Jigawa, Katsina, Plateau, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Communities such as Mubi (Adamawa); Edor, Upenekang, Oron, Eket (Akwa Ibom); Maiduguri and Ngala (Borno); Jos, Bukuru, Mangu (Plateau); Kunchi, Gezawa, Wudil, Bebeji, Sumaila, Tudun Wada, Kano city (Kano) are among areas listed for possible flash floods.
The Ministry urged state governments and local stakeholders to activate emergency response measures and relocate residents living along riverbanks and low-lying areas to safer ground.
Over 200 Killed in Four Months
This alert comes against the backdrop of recent devastating weather events. According to a 9am News report, over 200 Nigerians have died and thousands displaced due to floods, storms, and rainstorms between March and June 2025.
The worst incident occurred in Mokwa, Niger State, where over 200 people lost their lives when a massive flood submerged parts of the town in June. In Sokoto, storms claimed five lives and displaced over 7,800 residents. Other states like Kaduna, Taraba, Ekiti, Ogun, and Imo have all recorded tragic losses linked to severe weather.
Earlier this year, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) named 30 states and the FCT as high-risk flood zones for 2025. The agency warned that climate factors, poor drainage, and human activities like dumping refuse into waterways continue to worsen the threat.
Experts Blame Poor Planning
Environmental experts have repeatedly criticised states for reactive approaches to flooding. Speaking to Daily Trust, environmentalist Segun Ajidahun stressed that despite clear knowledge of flood-prone areas, many states fail to implement proactive relocation, urban drainage, and flood barriers.
Gbenga Tejuoso, another environmental expert, described Nigeria’s flooding crisis as a major national emergency with huge economic consequences: ruined farms, displaced families, and costly rebuilding.
Experts are calling for a comprehensive plan that includes stronger drainage systems, flood-resistant infrastructure, early warning systems, and improved public education.
State Governments Respond
In response, some states are stepping up. In Adamawa, the State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) is distributing relief materials and cash support to residents in high-risk zones, with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) launching public awareness campaigns.
In Kano, authorities are demolishing illegal structures blocking waterways and building new drainage infrastructure. The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, said 11 LGAs have been mapped as flash flood hotspots.
In Plateau, Yobe, and Cross River, local emergency management agencies are working with traditional leaders, community heads, and schools to spread life-saving information and relocate at-risk households.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society, partnering with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, has begun flood preparedness outreach in eight Cross River communities, focusing on early warning, sanitation, safe shelter, and climate education.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State, despite being flagged at risk, says it has not yet reported any serious flood cases this season.
Authorities nationwide are urging residents to stay informed, follow weather updates, and avoid dumping waste in drainage channels to reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding.
9am News report will continue to monitor flood alerts, government action, and local community responses to keep citizens safe and informed.
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